What is the theme of Oedipus at Colonus?
Old Age, Wisdom, and Death As such, it should come as no surprise that one of the play’s major themes is old age and the end of life. Through Oedipus, who himself is about to die, and to a lesser extent through Creon, the play examines the question of whether or not old age brings wisdom.
What flaw or flaws does Oedipus have?
Pride
What makes Oedipus a bad king?
On the bad side, Oedipus suffers from hubris (pride) which makes him blind to his own flaws. As he is promising dire punishment to whoever is responsible for bringing the plague, it never once occurs to him that the person might be him. He is blind to himself and thinks he can do no wrong.
Who does the shepherd say gave him the infant child?
He tells Jocasta that he has come from Corinth to tell Oedipus that his father, Polybus, is dead, and that Corinth wants Oedipus to come and rule there. When Oedipus inquires who left him in the woods on the mountain, the messenger replies that another shepherd, Laius’s servant, gave him baby Oedipus.
What does Jocasta say about sleeping with your mother?
According to Jocasta, why should Oedipus have no fear of sleeping with his mother? It’s a normal thing for men to desire in their dreams, she says. She has realized that Oedipus is probably her baby that was left on Cithaeron; if the questioning stops, Oedipus might never realize the truth.
What makes Oedipus a good leader?
Oedipus believes he can fix everything in thebes. He is very caring for his community which is also what makes him a good leader. He is very straightforward and strikes fear into his people. For example, when oedipus was determined to find out who killed King Laius he threatened the entire community with death.
What can we learn from Oedipus the King?
There are many universal lessons to be learned by Oedipus and his tragic story; lessons that every man today could benefit from, such as the downfalls of arrogance and selfishness, the grave mistakes in being judgmental and sanctimonious, and the repercussions of being quick to act without sufficient knowledge.