Literature Cell

Oedipus Rex - Sophocles

Oedipus Rex as a tragic hero on Sophocles’ concept.

Oedipus, the protagonist of Oedipus Rex, perfectly fits the idea of a tragic hero as described by Aristotle and exemplified by Sophocles. According to Greek tragedy, a tragic hero must be a man of high rank, noble character, and possess a tragic flaw (hamartia) that leads to his downfall. Oedipus, being the King of Thebes, is noble, intelligent, and deeply concerned for his people. His downfall comes not from evil intentions but from his pride (hubris) and determination to discover the truth, even when warned not to pursue it.

At the beginning, Oedipus appears as a wise and strong ruler who had once saved Thebes by solving the riddle of the Sphinx. However, his arrogance makes him believe he can solve any problem, including the mystery of Laius’s murder. His relentless search for truth leads him to discover that he himself is the murderer and that he has fulfilled the prophecy—killing his father and marrying his mother. This shocking revelation causes his spiritual and emotional collapse, leading to his self-blinding and exile.

Despite his fall, Oedipus earns the audience’s sympathy because his sufferings result from human weakness, not wickedness. His courage in facing the truth and accepting punishment makes him truly heroic. Thus, Oedipus embodies the classical concept of a tragic hero—a great man destroyed by fate and his own flaws.

Dramatic irony used by Sophocles in Oedipus Rex.

Dramatic irony occurs when the audience knows more about a situation than the characters do, creating tension and emotional impact. Sophocles masterfully uses dramatic irony throughout Oedipus Rex to heighten the tragedy.

From the beginning, the audience already knows that Oedipus is the murderer of Laius and that Laius and Jocasta are his parents. However, Oedipus himself is unaware of this truth. When he declares that he will punish Laius’s killer, the audience realizes that he is unknowingly cursing himself: “I curse myself if I have done the deed.” Similarly, when Oedipus mocks the blind prophet Teiresias, saying, “You have no sight,” the irony is that Oedipus himself is spiritually blind, unable to see the truth about his identity.

Another powerful example is Jocasta’s attempt to comfort Oedipus by denying prophecy, not realizing she is revealing her own guilt. The repeated use of dramatic irony keeps the audience engaged, as they watch Oedipus’s confidence turn into despair. It also deepens the sense of tragedy, showing that fate and ignorance control human life. Through dramatic irony, Sophocles emphasizes the limitations of human knowledge and the inevitability of destiny.

The real identity of the killer of Laius.

Oedipus discovers the truth about the murder of Laius through a gradual and painful process of investigation, guided by his own determination to save Thebes from the plague. At first, he vows to find Laius’s killer, not knowing that he himself is the murderer. He consults the oracle at Delphi, who repeats the old prophecy that he will kill his father and marry his mother. Still unaware of his identity, Oedipus continues his inquiry.

The turning point comes when Teiresias, the blind prophet, tells Oedipus that he himself is the criminal he seeks. Oedipus angrily rejects the accusation, accusing Teiresias and Creon of plotting against him. Later, as Jocasta recounts details of Laius’s murder and mentions where it happened, Oedipus begins to suspect the truth, remembering an old man he killed at a crossroads long ago.

Finally, a Corinthian messenger arrives to announce the death of Polybus, Oedipus’s supposed father, and reveals that Oedipus was not his real son but a child found on Mount Cithaeron. When the shepherd—who had saved the baby Oedipus—confirms that the child was Laius and Jocasta’s son, the horrifying truth is revealed. Oedipus realizes that he has indeed killed his father and married his mother, fulfilling the prophecy he tried so hard to avoid. This recognition marks the moment of anagnorisis (self-realization), leading to his tragic downfall.

Literary Devices: Symbol, Dramatic Irony, Allegory, Metaphor, Alliteration, Simile, Apostrophe, Foreshadowing etc.

Literary devices are tools writers use to enhance their storytelling, add depth to their work, and engage readers more effectively. Let’s explore some key literary devices with detailed explanations and examples.

What is Symbol?

A symbol is an object, character, figure, or color used to represent abstract ideas or concepts beyond its literal meaning. Writers use symbols to give their work deeper layers of meaning, encouraging readers to interpret and analyze.

Symbols can vary depending on cultural or personal contexts but typically have universally recognized meanings.

Example 1: A red rose often symbolizes love and passion, representing deep affection.
Example 2: In The Great Gatsby, the green light represents Gatsby’s unreachable dreams and the pursuit of the American Dream.
Example 3: A broken mirror might symbolize bad luck, fractured self-image, or the end of an era.

What is Imagery?

Imagery involves the use of vivid, descriptive language to create mental images and appeal to the senses of sight, sound, smell, taste, and touch. It helps readers experience scenes as though they were part of the story.

Example 1: "The golden rays of the sun poured over the rippling waves, painting the sea in shades of orange and red."
Example 2: "The aroma of freshly baked bread wafted through the air, making her mouth water."
Example 3: "The icy wind cut through his thin jacket, numbing his fingers and stinging his cheeks."

What is Dramatic Irony?

Dramatic irony occurs when the audience or readers know crucial information that the characters in the story do not. This creates tension, anticipation, or humor as readers wait to see how characters will react.

Example 1: In Romeo and Juliet, the audience knows Juliet is alive, but Romeo believes she is dead, leading to his tragic decision.
Example 2: In horror films, viewers often know the location of the villain, creating suspense as the characters remain unaware of the impending danger.
Example 3: In Oedipus Rex, the audience knows that Oedipus has unknowingly killed his father and married his mother, while Oedipus remains oblivious.

What is Allegory?

An allegory is a story, poem, or piece of art in which characters, events, and details symbolically represent broader moral, political, or social meanings. Allegories are used to convey complex ideas in an accessible way.

Example 1: George Orwell’s Animal Farm is an allegory for the Russian Revolution and the dangers of totalitarianism.
Example 2: John Bunyan’s The Pilgrim’s Progress represents the Christian journey toward salvation, with each character symbolizing a spiritual concept.
Example 3: The Allegory of the Cave by Plato symbolizes the process of enlightenment and the struggle to understand reality.

What is Foreshadowing?

Foreshadowing involves the use of hints or clues to suggest what will happen later in a story. It builds suspense, prepares readers for events, and adds depth to the narrative.

Example 1: In Of Mice and Men, Lennie’s accidental killing of animals foreshadows the tragic ending involving Curley’s wife.
Example 2: A storm brewing on the horizon might foreshadow turmoil or conflict in a story.
Example 3: A character’s statement like, "I’ve got a bad feeling about this," hints at upcoming danger.

What is Metaphor?

A metaphor compares two unrelated things directly, suggesting that one thing is another to highlight shared characteristics. This device conveys meaning and imagery without using "like" or "as."

Example 1: "Time is a thief that steals our moments."
Example 2: "The world is a stage, and we are merely players."
Example 3: "His words were daggers that pierced her heart."

What is Alliteration?

Alliteration is the repetition of initial consonant sounds in closely connected words. It creates rhythm, mood, or emphasis and is often used in poetry and slogans.

Example 1: "She sells seashells by the seashore."
Example 2: "Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers."
Example 3: "The dark, damp dungeon was daunting."

What is Simile?

A simile compares two things using the words "like" or "as," making descriptions more vivid and relatable.

Example 1: "Her smile was as bright as the sun."
Example 2: "He ran like the wind."
Example 3: "The cake was as soft as a cloud."

What is Repetition?

Repetition is the deliberate reuse of a word, phrase, or structure to emphasize its importance or create rhythm.

Example 1: Martin Luther King Jr.’s speech: "I have a dream… I have a dream…"
Example 2: "Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow."
Example 3: "The bells, the bells, the ringing of the bells!"

What is Hyperbole?

Hyperbole is an exaggerated statement not meant to be taken literally. It emphasizes a point or adds humor.

Example 1: "I’ve told you a million times to clean your room!"
Example 2: "I’m so hungry I could eat a horse."
Example 3: "The suitcase weighed a ton."

What is Personification?

Personification gives human qualities or actions to non-human entities, making descriptions more engaging and relatable.

Example 1: "The wind whispered through the trees."
Example 2: "The stars danced in the night sky."
Example 3: "The old house groaned under the weight of the storm."

What is Apostrophe?

An apostrophe is a direct address to an absent person, abstract idea, or inanimate object, as if it could hear or respond. It is often used to express strong emotion or create dramatic effect.

Example 1: "O Death, where is thy sting?"
Example 2: "Twinkle, twinkle, little star, how I wonder what you are."
Example 3: "Come, gentle night; come, loving, black-browed night." (Romeo and Juliet)

Why Are Literary Devices Important?

These devices make writing more engaging and memorable. They add layers of meaning, evoke emotions, and create connections with readers. By recognizing these devices, you can better appreciate and analyze stories, poems, and speeches.

Lake Poets in English Literature

The Lake Poets, consisting primarily of William Wordsworth, Samuel Taylor Coleridge, and Robert Southey, emerged as a significant literary movement in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Nestled in the scenic beauty of England's Lake District, these poets drew inspiration from nature, revolutionizing the way poetry was perceived and written. Their profound influence continues to resonate in English literature, shaping the Romantic era and beyond.

The Lake District: A Source of Inspiration
William Wordsworth: The Poet of Nature
Samuel Taylor Coleridge: The Visionary Philosopher
Robert Southey: The Poet Laureate
Legacy and Influence

The Lake Poets, with their profound appreciation for nature and the human experience, left an indelible mark on English literature. Through their poetry, they sought to capture the beauty, complexity, and interconnectedness of the natural world and human consciousness. Today, their legacy endures as a testament to the enduring power of art to inspire, uplift, and illuminate the human spirit.

Wordsworth's treatment of nature in the poem "I Wander Lonely as a Cloud".

Wordsworths treatment of nature in"I Wander Lonely as a Cloud"

In "I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud," William Wordsworth presents a profound and uplifting treatment of nature, celebrating its ability to evoke deep emotional responses and provide solace. The poem narrates the poet's encounter with a field of daffodils and reflects on the lasting impact this scene has on his emotional well-being.

Positive Depiction of Nature: Wordsworth portrays nature as a source of joy and inspiration. The field of daffodils becomes a symbol of natural beauty and tranquility. The poet's encounter with the scene lifts him from a sense of loneliness and fills his heart with happiness, emphasizing nature's capacity to heal and elevate the human spirit.

Emotional Resonance: The poem explores the emotional connection between the poet and nature. Wordsworth describes how the memory of the daffodils continues to "flash upon that inward eye" and "fills [his] heart with pleasure." This emotional resonance suggests that nature has the power not only to provide immediate delight but also to linger in the mind, offering sustained emotional nourishment.

Imagination and Inner Reflection: Wordsworth emphasizes the role of the imagination in shaping the poet's experience of nature. The "inward eye" becomes a tool through which the poet can revisit and relive the beauty of the daffodils. This highlights the transformative and lasting impact that nature can have on the inner life of an individual.

Unity with Nature: The poem conveys a sense of unity between the poet and nature. Wordsworth describes the daffodils as dancing, creating a dynamic and lively image. This portrayal suggests a harmonious connection between the human observer and the natural world, reinforcing the idea that nature is not just an external entity but a part of the poet's emotional and spiritual being.

Overall, Wordsworth's treatment of nature in "I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud" is characterized by a deep appreciation for its capacity to uplift the human spirit, inspire inner reflection, and provide a sense of connection and solace in moments of solitude.