Oedipus Scholarship

• How does Simon Goldhill describe Oedipus?

  Oedipus is a paradox in himself – he is both a saviour and a monster. “Oedipus conquers a monster, the Sphinx, becomes leader of the city…yet this leads to a final discovery of Oedipus’ untenable position in the order of the city” as he has gone against norms of society by killing his father and marrying his mother.
• What does Garvie say about Fate in Oedipus?

  He argues that both fate and Oedipus's character are responsible for his fall
• What does Fagles believe about Oedipus?

  That he is his own destroyer
• What did Dodds believe led to Oedipus's downfall?

  "It is his own strength and courage, his loyalty to Thebes and his loyalty to the truth that led to his downfall."
• What does Higgins believe about Oedipus's tragic fall?

  "It brings about a catharsis, the realisation that the power of fate cannot be overcome by will- even by the will of a king."
• How does Edith Hall describe Oedipus?

  "A proud and daring man"
• What does Dodds say about fate vs free will in Oedipus?

  "Man has no free will but is a puppet in the hands of the gods"
• What does Rutherford say about fate in Oedipus?

  "Fate is not entirely fixed. Jocasta chooses to commit suicide, Oedipus chooses to blind himself."
• How does Garvie contrast Oedipus and Tiresias?

  "Tiresias is physically blind, while Oedipus, the physicaly sighted, knows nothing."