Oedipus Rex projects a vision of an idealized woman and
explores what happens when such a figure is tested in some agonized যন্ত্রণা moments of the play. In fact, Jocasta shares
with Oedipus the same common disaster coming through the establishment of the
terrible prophecy about Oedipus. In Oedipus's case, the fulfilment of the
prophecy has only confirmed his anxiety, in Jocasta's case, it has come as a
sudden blow. She has been, at the same time, the helpless instrument in the
punishment of Oedipus.
(jocasta
as a women and a nature towards Oedipus)
As we
find her at the beginning of the play. Jocasta is sober and commanding. She
pacifies Oedipus and Creon who have entered into a bitter controversy. Her
advice that it is not the duty of the members of the royal family to quarrel
when the city has been suffering, shows her prudence and sagacity. Throughout
the interaction she is honest in intention and speaks cautiously. She shares
Oedipus’ agony at the apprehension of the fulfilment of the prophecy makes an offering at the altar of Apollo,
praying for his help. Jocasta does not only face Oedipus but also gives him
some wise advice. Referring to Oedipus’ fear of defiling mother's bed, she says
that it is best to live life at random, as one may.
What
prompts her to make such utterances is, of course, her love and concern for
Oedipus. With her experience and wisdom Jocasta teaches Oedipus to take the
path of disinterested action without speculation on what is to come.
An
interesting aspect of Jocasta is, of course, her scepticism. She is frankly
spectical of prophecies and therefore is a according to the religious ideas of
the time,guilt of irreverence towards the gods. Jocasta's skepticism has an an element
of rationality. Pointing to the course of events relating to Laius’ death.
which apparently has proved the oracle to be false, she expresses her doubt in
the power of priest. Jocasta doubts in the words of the priest because despite
the sacrifice of her first born child Laius had die.
Her
changing views on the validity of the prophecy makes jocasta so engaging
character. Once she believed it so sincerely that she sacrificed
her child. Later, the report of Laius being killed at cross road by the alien robbers made her skeptical. Her
disbelief in the oracle was so great that she was able to influence Oedipus
regarding the outcome of its words.
Her skepticism continues till the revelation of
Oedipus' parentage and coupels her to admit to her great horror and dismay that
the oracle is infallible,
Ruthless
Fate has placed her in the most pathetic position of a mother who has been made
wife by her son through mysterious ignorance, and she suffers for no obvious
fault error on her part .Since Fate has tantalized and ruined her, Jocasta's
misery seems more pitiable than Oedipus įs never alone, Jocasta with her love and anxiety is always with him .Oedipus
is always consoled by her but as to her own miseries she has to bear it all
alone, Viewed thus, Jocasta seems a pitiable woman cand a representative of the
human race, who suffers more than she deserves
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