Oedipus Rex, The Odyssey By Homer

These are the first words of Jocasta in the tragedy of Oedipus Rex written by Sophocles. She comes as a peacemaker, torn in an argument between the two most important men in her life. This demonstrates an exemplary example that can be applied to test her loyalty. Jocasta’s loyalty is always being tested throughout the whole tragedy. Does Jocasta stand by her man? Exactly this can be found, by judging Jocasta against the lyrics of the popular song by Tammy Wynette: “Stand By Your Man.” The advice given demonstrates the typical role of an ancient Greek wife, to be supportive towards your husband and follow wherever he leads.

Sometimes it is hard for Jocasta to be the leading woman in the tragedy. Women are generally weak characters in Greek times, Jocasta has seen her share of tragedies throughout her life and is stronger because of them. Although at the time when she is most needed by her family she rids herself of all her burdens and commits suicide, knowing this would bring much pain and grief on everyone in the royal house. She endured some troublesome times through her life, the first, giving up her baby. This was also the first time Joc

Jocasta has many things to forgive Oedipus for; he is the killer of her husband and his father. Oedipus is the reason for her death; his mistakes cause her so much grief she could not carry on. She does forgive him in the closing, she finally realises that the Gods really do control their lives and can see that he has no choice than to carry out his prophesied fate. She still finds him hard to understand. She would be willing to live her life ignorant to the fact that she has no power over any of her actions. She warns him of the outcome if he searches for the truth and does not understand why he still persists. “I am warning you for your own good.” By this time of the play she has fully succumbed to the fact the Gods have ultimate power. Whilst pleading with Oedipus she also pleads to the gods. “No! In God’s name-if you want to live this must not go on.”

Jocasta can not be proud of Oedipus’s actions, but does not hold him responsible. Because, after all, no human being can be held responsible for their actions, they are just playing their part in fate. In the last hours of Jocastas life she ‘sees the light’ of religion and realises that Oedipus is “just a man,” and Jocasta is just a woman. They have no right to doubt the Gods power, and they both endure the punishment for their actions.

After the revelation of Oedipus’ awful existence, his nights would become the coldest and loneliest, corresponding to his banishment from Thebes and the state. Jocasta doesn’t stand by her man in this hour, although if she were there would she have not been sent to her death anyway? The question of the significance of Jocasta’s death is whether she did it out of selfishness, desperation or a sacrifice of herself to the Gods pleading forgiveness for her many years of disbelief. Jocasta does not declare her love for Oedipus once the truth is exposed. This is und

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