Answers To My Oedipus Questions

 Why then, did nobody, specially the people of Thebes (including Jocasta) notice the very possible resemblance between the late King Laius and Oedipus?

I have no real answer to this question. All I can imagine is that the majority of Greeks at that time shared the same features and hence it would be hard to really pinpoint family resemblance.

Why did Oedipus refuse so stubbornly to see that he was king Laius’ murderer and son?

I guess this trait of his needed to be present in order for the play to work. This provides all the “meat” for the play and entertainment for the audience.

Can there really be that maybe coincidences?

Yes, but the characters don’t see all the coincidences like the audience does.

Can someone, even in fiction, be so renuent to see what is in front of his eyes?

This just exalts Oedipus’ stubbornness and the play’s tragic plot.

I wonder if the audience in 430 BCE really thought Oedipus did not see the truth until the end, or if they just took it for what it was worth in order to enjoy the play?

I think that the audience was aware and that it was the process of the characters finding out the truth that they enjoyed.

Where the men not armed? Did kings back then travel without any security components in place?

I did some research and all I could gather was that Greece was a well war equipped culture so it still makes no sense to me as to why Laius was traveling without soldiers.

"Horse Dealer's Daughter" by D.W. Lawrence p. 471

Joe

He is the oldest brother and seems to have more restraint or self control but still seems to be one to react and have no sense of direction.  

Fred Henry

He is the next brother seemed to feel or possess more control over his life. He is arrogant or cocky.

Malcolm

He is the youngest brother. I perceive him as more easy going and laid back.

Mabel

She is the sister. To me, she seems to feel lonely, desperate to be loved and feel protected. I think she feels quite unappreciated.

Dr. Fergusson

He is presented as kind and smart. He is giving and caring, doing selfless things as part of his life.

Cathedral by Raymond Carver p. 180

 When I was in highschool, used to look down on people that didn’t complete their assignments or seemed to have trouble focusing. I honestly though that they were lazy, and those that claimed ADD were just hiding behind that excuse.  I guess karma wanted to teach me a lesson and decided to put me in the very small percentage of ADD people who develop it during adulthood. How funny is that? I struggle now with following through with long term projects as I dwell on details or lose focus quickly. It is a little petty of me to compare ADD to any ‘real’ handicaps but it has been a humbling experience for me as I have had to rearrange my lifestyle and develop coping skills to deal with it.