Oedipus - Journal #1

Journal Prompt #1:

Setting: This included cultural as well as geographical and historical setting. What effect does the setting have on story, character, and theme?

Response:

The setting of Oedipus the King has great effect on much of the play. The geographical setting of Greece is quite barren and rugged, surrounded by high rocky hills. The towns in Greece were often carved out of the mountains, causing people to have to go far to get water. The landscape relates to the story of Oedipus as it talks about how Lauis has gone away from the city, out in the wilderness. From the knowledge of the landscape given, one can concur that wherever Lauis has gone it is not pleasant, and quite possibly dangerous. This gives Lauis a characteristic of bravery for facing the obstacles out in ancient Greece.

Not only does the geographical setting play a role in the play, but the historical setting does as well. In ancient Greece mythology played a large role in the lives of the people. The story of Oedipus references many of the Greek gods, due to the fact that tragedy originally came from the Greeks as “one that falls from a higher power”, such as Oedipus does. The Greek gods are what make up a large part of ancient Greece, as the people believed. Taking a look at it from today’s viewpoint, one can see how since the gods were emphasized of being important that that is why they are used.

The setting is also a key element in the play as it differs from books written in that time period. The fact that as a play the audience is able to relate to the setting by seeing it performed. The play takes place in Thebes, so those who may have watched it in a Greek city were able to understand the setting much more than someone who is reading the play today. A visual representation, including backdrops and props, allows the audience to experience a familiar setting.