Hercules Case

This conflict is clearly portrayed in the text. In the opening scene all are equal. Servants, peasants and royals alike proclaim that they are all equal. All have an equal interest in the state of Thebes and the actions Oedipus must take. After this however, the females of Thebes are represented in the characterization of Jocasta the queen of Thebes. It is here that the chorus, the most important element of Greek tragedy, comes to become important. The chorus represents the people of Thebes. As the Theban elders they portray the views of the greater society. Jocasta's actions characterize her as the stereotypical female. By ordering the death of her son, blaspheming the Gods and eventually killing herself, she shows the essential perceived frailty of women. Her confusion is epitomized when she states that the Oracles and Gods are liars. After she figures out the truth she then immediately begins to pray to them to save her and her kingdom. The chorus denounces Jocasta's suicide, with the essential links being with pride and inevitably hubris. While they respect that she can resolve the conflict between Creon and Oedipus, they eventually condone the disrespect Oedipus shows to her. She constantly pleads him to "leave well enough alone". However, little attention is paid to her at the time. Another essential facet of Greek culture was its religious and superstitious nature. Oedipus Rex and the other Greek tragedies were written for the purpose of performing at a religious event, where the Gods were to be pleased and praised. Therefore, that the generic conventions would be aimed at constructing a meaning related to a pre-determined fate. Often viewed as the cornerstone of Greek religion. The prologue and the retelling of myths were essential to the construction of this meaning. As the audience already had an understanding of what was going to happen to the characters, they could see that any effort to change fate was not possible.

Furthermore, the understanding of the characters was used. Jocasta implores that "no man possesses the secret of divination" and Oedipus challenges by saying that the Oracles words were unfulfilled and they were lies. As both reach a higher understanding however, they realize that the Gods do indeed control their lives. As Oedipus and Jocasta represent the society as a whole, it is expected that the audience will share this view. Recognition of the social hierarchy, or 'chain of command,' helps to bring together the essential values portrayed. Although a democracy, the King ruled as a mortal, while men ruled women and masters ruled servants and messengers. In relation to the underlying moral values, the Gods and Fates ruled all. This hierarchy is shown through the anangorisis of Oedipus. He wishes to speak to the shepherd, who can confirm his worst fears. In order to see him, however, he must ask Jocasta who must then send for him. This is further exemplified