King Essay, Research Paper
`You are the curse, the corruption of the land!?. With these words, Tiresias, a blind prophet in `Oedipus The King? set the actions in play that would turn king to beggar within the day. Prophecy and foreshadowing is an important part of playwriting, and adds an element of suspense that is not possible any other way. Whether it be the witches of MacBeth, the ramblings of Tiresias in Oedipus: The King, and Antigone, or whether it is the unrealized foreshadowing by Figaro in `The Marriage of Figaro?, foreshadowing gives the reader or the audience something to puzzle themselves over, until the play or novel is actually over. It would not be a stretch of the imagination to say that some of the greatest plays ever written would be impotent if their elements of foreshadowing was removed.
Foreshadowing is defined, in Webster?s dictionary, as `to give a hint or suggestion of beforehand?. In drama, foreshadowing is generally used for several purposes, including the creation of tension, creation of atmosphere, and adds an element of credibility to a character. All of these are important elements of a play. However it is not hard to imagine a play in which more then half of the elements of a plot, namely exposition, discovery, point of attack, complication and crisis all be caused by an act of foreshadowing or prophecy. Indeed, ?Oedipus the King?, which was considered the greatest play in history by Aristotle, was one such play.
?Oedipus the King? was the story of the King of Thebes, Oedipus, and his dark past history which no one, including himself to a point, was aware of, one that involved abandonment, patricide and incest. Thebes was beset by a plague, and a delegation was sent to Apollo, the Greek God of healing, where they received instructions to find the murderer of the previous king of Thebes, King Laius. This form of foreshadowing was necessary for the storyline to have a starting place, and acts not only as foreshadowing, but also as discovery, because it gave new information that moved the plot forwards. A problem with this is the fact that it requires an act of God, something that Aristotle frowned upon in his definitive text `Poetics?. In the case of `Oedipus the King?, Sophocles managed to get around the problem by having the consultation happen off-stage, but in a good drama, this `form? of foresight is generally frowned upon. As such, it should be avoided, unless where completely necessary, as in Oedipus.
Another type of foreshadowing showcased in `Oedipus the King? was intended as a point of attack, and it was when the blind prophet Tiresias directly blamed King Oedipus for plague sent by Apollo. This form of `foreshadowing? differs from the first one, which was intended only to give a starting point for the storyline. The blame which is leveled against Oedipus was totally unexpected, and it left the audience in complete suspense throughout the play, as they tried to figure out how Oedipus was involved in the plot to kill Laius. This helped build the suspense, and was what really started `the ball rolling? so to speak, in an effort to find out what the past of Oedipus actually was. This plot device grabbed the audience?s attention, and adds complication, which is necessary in any play.
The third, and most highly ironic, foreshadowing happened when Oedipus, in a fit of anger, said to Tiresias, ?You?ve lost your power, stone-blind, stone-deaf – senses, eyes blind as stone!?. By the end of the story, Oedipus was almost exactly that. By day?s end, Oedipus no longer possessed the sense of sight, and had lost his kingdom to his brother-in-law. A complete reversal of circumstances, which saw him, in the play `Oedipus at Colonus?, enter the city the same way that Tiresias entered Oedipus? court on that day, blind as a bat, with a helper without whom he would be useless.
`The Marriage of Figaro? has one obvious prophetic scene, where Figaro says ?Look to the day?s work, Master Figaro! First bring forward the hour of your wedding to make sure of the ceremony taking place, head off Marceline who?s so deucedly fond of you, pocket the money and the presents, thwart His Lordship?s little game, give Master Bazile good thrashing, …? This scene of foresight was not the same as the two previously cited examples. It is used twofold, first, and most obviously, it is used as comic relief, but second, and more importantly, it is used to show the almost impossible odds that Figaro overcome at the out right beginning of the story. Without the foreshadowing, the audience would be in the dark as to Figaro?s plans, and an major irony of the story would be missing. That irony is that all of Figaro?s carefully thought-out plans failed him when it was important, but despite it all, he still managed to come out carrying out all the plans which he carefully laid out at the start. For instance, Figaro tried to stop Marceline from marrying him. Despite his best arguments, he was given the choice of paying several hundred gold pieces or be married off to Marceline without a choice. His entire plan of stretching the law to his aims failed. However, an act of pure chance saved him from the unwanted marriage when Marceline recognized Figaro to be her son. This all goes to say that while the plans of Figaro may have failed him, his `vision? of the day, so to speak, was still correct.
Another scene in `The Marriage of Figaro? which may be considered foretelling the future was when Bartholo said ?…what mortal, abandoned of gods and women, could… it be?? when he was talking to Marceline about finding a man to marry her. The statement is dripping with foresight. Bartholo had little love for Figaro, and his discovery that Figaro was his son was not a comfortable realization. As such, he might have been considered `abandoned of gods?, as he was given a harsh `punishment? by `God?, and was not helped nor given any escape routes. He was forced to admit parenthood someone he loathed. This line was highly ironic, because later on, Bartholo married Marceline, after he was `abandoned by god? so to speak by finding out that Figaro was his son.
If one was to take a look at the scenes of foreshadowing in both plays, there are obviously some different, as the above examples show, mainly due to the fact that `Oedipus the King? was a tragedy, and `The Marriage of Figaro? was a comedy. However, there was one similarity that was found throughout, mainly that foreshadowing led to the major events of the story, which caused major changes in the lives of characters, such as the gouging of Oedipus? eyes, the marriage of Bartholo to Marceline, so as to allow Figaro go get married, etc… This suggests that foreshadowing is generally used only when a major impact is about to be made, so foreshadowing is a sign of something important yet to come.
In conclusion, dramatic foreshadowing is one of the most important parts of both plays. Oedipus could not have even started if it was not for the first prophecy given by Apollo, and `The Marriage of Figaro? would have lost one of its most sweetest ironies. Most importantly, it gives a taste of things to come, which in a good play, should be enough to keep an audience listening.
Другие работы по теме:
Oedipus Deserved His Fate Essay Research Paper
(note: this paper was presented in a debate, hence the referance to “the negative side”) Today the negative side will try to declare that it was Sophocles’ intention that we regard Oedipus as a good man. But if he was good, why do we never see him in the act of being good? He accuses Tiresias and Creon, two formerly blameless men, of conspiring to dethrone him and take over the country.
Oedipus Essay Research Paper battles against Centaurs
Oedipus Essay, Research Paper battles against Centaurs, Amazons, also friezes of Athena figthing the giants. Interestingly these sculptures are all of either battle or celebrations, this in way show cased the Athenian ambitions.
Hiding From Destiny Essay Research Paper Hiding
Hiding From Destiny Essay, Research Paper Hiding From Destiny Running from your problems, is not a method of solving them. This is advice I have received several times since I started school. I believe that, Oedipus, would be liked to have had this wonderful advice in his life. The protagonist, in our play Oedipus Rex by Sophocles, learned this, the hard way.
Oedipus Rex 4 Essay Research Paper Essay
Oedipus Rex 4 Essay, Research Paper Essay- Oedipus the King by Sophocles According to Aristotle, the protagonist in a tragedy must have a tragic flaw that ultimately becomes the cause of his ruin. Oedipus in Oedipus the King by Sophocles tragic flaw that caused his downfall was his pride. Three examples of when Oedipus pride got the better of him were: when he left his adopted parents in Cornith, the second is when he goes against Creon, and the third is when Oedipus is demanding that the messenger tell him all he knows about who his real parents are.
OedipusS Misfortunes Essay Research Paper Oedipuss MisfortunesWho
Oedipus?S Misfortunes Essay, Research Paper Oedipus?s Misfortunes Who is responsible for the misfortunes of Oedipus? Is it because of the careless way his parents, Laius and Jocasta handle problems, the disobedience of the Shepard, fate, the gods or Oedipus himself? Even though many people contribute to Oedipus downfall he is ultimately responsible.
Oedipus Essay Research Paper The story of
Oedipus Essay, Research Paper The story of Oedipus Rex is a classic example of a tragic hero. Oedipus is a hero who actively plays a large role in his own demise. This paper will take a look at how Oedipus Rex starred in his own demise, and what character flaws caused him to do so. It will also look at how the theme of the story (the battle of free will versus faith) may have been the biggest reason for Oedipus?s self-destruction.
Sophocles Oedipus Rex Essay Research Paper Throughout
Sophocles? Oedipus Rex Essay, Research Paper Throughout history there have been some astonishing Greek plays. Some plays were more comedic in nature, so were romance plays and then there were some that were tragic plays. One of the greatest Greek tragedy plays ever written was Oedipus the King.
Oedipus Rex 2
Oedipus Rex’s Tereisias Brings Sight To The Blind Essay, Research Paper A minor character is a character that is developed in such a way to help reveal themes and depict certain literary devices. Literary devices are used in mostly all literary works, as they can help reveal pertinent information and also move the story along.
Oedipus And His Flaws Essay Research Paper
Advanced English 10 3rd hour September 28, 1997 Oedipus’s Inextinguishable Flaws Flaws plague every man and woman on this planet. Flaws are what we have in common with each other, and all characteristics that make us human. Sophocles’s Oedipus, shows that sometimes the combination of certain flaws and other human characteristics can have a tragic outcome.
The Theban Plays Essay Research Paper Throughout
The Theban Plays Essay, Research Paper Throughout, The Theban Plays Creon remained an important character. From the first play King Oedipus through the second play Oedipus at Colonus Creon displayed a dramatic change in his character. A change in Creon?s personality was noticeable when the truth about Oedipus was revealed.
Oedipus 3 Essay Research Paper The Greek
Oedipus 3 Essay, Research Paper The Greek tragedy of Oedipus illustrates dramatic irony through Oedipus’ noble birth which is unknown to him and his fall from the throne due to his fate and excessive pride.
Oedipus Rex Essay Research Paper There have
Oedipus Rex Essay, Research Paper There have been many tragedies throughout history, including Sophocles play Oedipus Rex. I utterly agree with Aristotle in saying that Oedipus Rex, is one such tragedy. Through the plot, character and thoughts it is evident the Oedipus Rex is a model tragedy.
Oedipus Rex Essay Research Paper Oedipus RexCharacters
Oedipus Rex Essay, Research Paper Oedipus Rex Characters in the play Oedipus the King attempt to block the horrible outcome of the gods? oracle. The first people to do so were Oedipus? mother and father, Laius and Jocasta. After hearing the unmoral and disruptive prediction, they attempted to execute their own child.
Biography Of Oedipus Essay Research Paper Oedipys
Biography Of Oedipus Essay, Research Paper Oedipys’s date of birth is unknown. He was born to Polybus and Merope, but Jocasta is his real mother. Oedipus was born in Thebes, but he spent most of his adult life in Corinth. Due to some mistakes that Oedipus makes prior to the start of the play, trouble seems to surround him later.
Oedipus Rex Essay Research Paper 1 Oedipus
Oedipus Rex Essay, Research Paper 1) Oedipus Rex proves to be a tragic hero by displaying the qualities of goodness, appropriateness, and remaining consistent and realistic throughout the entire play. In the prologue of Oedipus Rex, Oedipus illustrates that he is morally good during his speech to the Priest and the suffering people of Thebes. “I know you are deathly sick; and yet, /Sick as you are, not one is as sick as I. /Each of you suffers in himself alone/His anguish, not another’s; but my spirit/Groans for the city, for myself, for you” (Prologue. 63-66).
Oedipus Essay Research Paper Oedipus is a
Oedipus Essay, Research Paper Oedipus is a blind old man. He is the son of a former king of Thebes. His father?s name was Laius and his mother was Jocasta, the former queen. In the previous tragedy, Oedipus inadvertently killed his father and married his mother. He had four kids with his wife. Moreover, his wife/mother was going through a lot of stress so she decided to hang herself.
Fate In Oedipus Rex Essay Research Paper
Dennis Terrey Period Two English IV AP Through Sophocles? use of foreshadowing in the play Oedipus Rex, certain truths are revealed to the reader, such as the fact that a lack of respect for fate can eventually
Fate In The Lives Of Men Essay
, Research Paper Fate in the Lives of MenFate played a large role in the story of Oedipus the King. Fate is what caused Oedipus to live in Corinth with King Polybus and Queen Merope, and what also came as his downfall in Thebes. Oedipus, Jocasta, and Laius all tried to escape their fate. Laius ordered his son to be left on the mountains of Cithaeron to die.
More Tragic Oedipus Or Antigone Essay Research
Paper Sophocles was a master of tragedy, there?s no argument there. But which of the 2 plays we?ve studied, Oedipus the King and Antigone, is the more tragic? I believe that Oedipus the King was more intensely tragic and I
A Hopeless Fate Essay Research Paper It
A Hopeless Fate Essay, Research Paper It was once said by Ralph Waldo Emmerson, Where there is no vision, a people perish. In Sophecles Greek tragedy, Oedipus Rex, the oracle advised Oedipus that he was tomurder his father and marry his mother. As a result, Oedipus tried to change his fate. Oedipus, Jocasta, and Tiresias all demonstrated the concept of blindness in Oedipus Rex.
Fate Vs Free Will In Oedipus Essay
, Research Paper FREE WILL VS. FATE IN OEDIPUS REX The great philosopher Socrates believes that humans rule themselves with a combination of fate and free will. In Oedipus Rex a combination of fate and free will
Blindness In Oedipus Rex Essay Research Paper
Blindness in “Oedipus the King” In Sophocles’ play, “Oedipus the King”, one of the main themes is blindness. The author uses physical blindness, as well as intellectual blindness to illustrate Oedipus’ status
Sight
& Blindness Imagery In Oedipus Rex Essay, Research Paper Sight and blindness Imagery in ?Oedipus Rex? In this play written by Sophocles called Oedipus Rex, sight/blindness imagery is used as a form of ignorance. In this play, there is allot of ignorance. Some examples of this are when Oedipus talks with Tiresias about who had killed Laius, and when he discovers the truth about his love and about his parents.
Fate Overpowers Free Will Oedipus The King
) Essay, Research Paper Concerning the question of fate vs. free will, Sophocles felt that a person has no control over the course of his life. In the play Oedipus the King, Oedipus is a great example of Sophocles’ belief that fate will control a man’s life no matter how much free will exists in the man’s heart.
The Role Of Fate In Oedipus The
King Essay, Research Paper Audrey Fish The Role of Fate in “Oedipus the King” Is Oedipus a victim of the gods, their prophecies, and destiny, or his own fatal flaws? I am under the impression that Sophocles wrote the play to underscore the uselessness of trying to avoid one’s fate. He implies that we need to turn to the gods because we cannot see the whole picture.
The Blindness In Oedipus Rex Essay Research
Paper The Blindness in Oedipus Rex In the play Oedipus Rex by Sophocles, the minor character of Tiresias is responsible for foreshadowing Oedipus fate, developing the theme of blindness, and also illustrating dramatic irony. Tiresias is responsible for further developing the theme of blindness, by using his own physical blindness to reveal to Oedipus his mental blindness.
Asefasdf Essay Research Paper Oedipus the King
Asefasdf Essay, Research Paper Oedipus the King by Sophocles Sophocles “Oedipus the King” is a tragic play which discusses the tragic discovery of Oedipus that he has killed his father and married his mother. The story of Oedipus (2 page)
Oedipus Rex Essay Research Paper In Sophocles 2
Oedipus Rex Essay, Research Paper In Sophocles? Oedipus Rex, dramatic irony is often present in Oedipus? long speeches. Oedipus constantly sees things incorrectly, and is in denial that he
Oedipus The King 3 Essay Research Paper
Oedipus the King Ankle Theory The classification of Oedipus the King as a tragedy requires it to meet certain criteria pertaining to the main character, Oedipus. Oedipus must have no control over the situation which he is in, he has to have been harmed by someone for doing nothing or doing what is just, and he must come to an end in which he is utterly lost, or dies without resolving the situation.
Macbeth And Oedipus Rex Essay Research Paper
Macbeth and Oedipus Rex Analysis Oedipus Rex and Macbeth are both tragic plays. They have many similarities and differences. Some of them are in the role of fate, the characters, and the setting and the
Oedipus Rex Essay Research Paper Oedipus RexIn
Oedipus Rex Essay, Research Paper Oedipus Rex In the story of Oedipus Rex, Sophocles portrays the main character, Oedipus, as a good natured person that has bad judgment and frailty. Oedipus