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CHARACTER OF JOCASTA || OEDIPUS REX




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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