Journal 2: Medea

The chorus in Medea differs significantly from that in Oedipus the King, in that it is alot more sympathetic to Medea's situation, feeling her pain and anguish at the injustice Jason comitted. The chorus often addresses Medea by name and in a sympathetic manner, such as the line; "The lover you lost, O heartbroken lady!" This empathy expressed by the chorus is very different from the righteous, just attitude taken by the chorus in Oedipus, and helps to shine a much more positive light on Medea, as well as help in evoking pity and fear, as the sympathetic nature of the chorus helps the reader to connect with Medea's character- thus sharing in her heart-bending anguish.

Journal 1: Medea

Sophocles evokes pity by placing the main character, Medea, in a very unhappy situation. Medea, whose husband Jason left her for another woman, is grieving uncontrollably, and has obviously had her heart crushed. This is a situation which alot of people might have experienced, and can understand the pain of, so thus they can pity Medea. Medea's hatred towards her own children also evoke pity from the reader, as the children didn't do anything wrong and are being spurned by their own mother. Sophocles also manages to evoke fear from his audience, as through Medea being forced to leave Corinth. When Creon forces her exile, the audience can't help but experience the fear of losing everything they know and hold dear.

Journal 4: Oedipus

"How terrible- to see the truth when the truth is only pain to him who sees!" Here we have the image of eyes, as shown through this quote by Tiresias. The imagery of eyes is commonly used throughout the play, where in eyes have come to represent being exposed to, and havin to live with the inherent evil and immorality of the world. As Tiresias states, eyes are a device which grants us clarity, and a vision of the world around us. But who wants to see, when there is nothing in the world to see except pain and misery? After Oedipus gouges out his eyes, he says; "What good were eyes to me? Nothing I could ever see would bring me joy." in which the imagery of eyes is used to represent the hopelessness of his existance. Such is the fate of Oedipus to dwell in misery, so he would certainly rather not have to see that misery, through the clarity of vision provided by his eyes.

Journal 3: Oedipus- roles of the gods

Throughout the play, the characters seem to think of the gods as being involved with every aspect of their lives. Characters presume to predict the future through revelations made by their gods, and the concept of a god-given moral code seems to govern the people at large (for example, how Oedipus' affair with his mother is considered an abomination in the eyes of the gods). The god most commonly referenced is probably Apollo- the very god who granted the prophesy around which the plot is based. The chorus also references Dionysius (perhaps for his patronage of plays) and Hermes. Sophocles uses metaphors and symbols to create a very dramatic effect- conveying things in a way that truly stands out to the reader.

Journal 2-Oedipus

• Oedipus proves himself to be quite a defficient leader, as he lacks the ability to persuade his subjects, and he appears quite arrogant. His arrogance is explified by the use of the line "No matter- I must rule," after Creon suggests that his judgment is incorect. Oedipus also does not seem to be very secure in his power or very trusting in his fellow rulers, as he immediately suspects there has been a conspiracy to oust himself from power. Additionaly, Oedipus is not very reasonable, as he seems to ignore Creon's logic, in favor of a very far-fetched conspiracy theory.
• As the story developes, Oedipus comes across to the reader as increasingly unpleasant and unreasonable. While initially seeming to be a noble king who only has the best interests of his subjects at heart, he soon shows his own insecurity ( his fear of losing power). He manifests several undesirable traits, not the least of which is his aversion to taking responsibility for his own actions. Thus he becomes an increasingly negative character in the eye of the reader.
• Creon and Teiresias both seem to be very honest and respectful towards Oedipus. Creon appears to be a loyal subject doing his utmost to help his sovereign in a time of trouble. Teiresias also seems to be merely doing his duty as a prophet and a seer- in revealing who truly murdered King Laius.

Oedipus- Journal 1

· Pg. 159- Oedipus meets with a priest to talk about and better understand the troubles of the people of Thebes
· Pg. 160- The priest states that people of all ages and social classes have been effected by some sort of misfortune
· Pg. 161- The priest asks Oedipus for help and says he and the other people would gladly submit to a worthy leader like Oedipus
· Pg. 162- Oedipus sympathizes with the misfortune of the people and agrees to help, as the messenger Creon arrives
· Pg. 163- Creon is greeted and given audience for the message he bears
· Pg. 164- Creon tells Oedipus he must avenge the death of the murdered king of Thebes, King Laius
· Pg. 165- The messenger Creon states that there is a witness to the crime, and that the murderer still resides within Thebes
· Pg. 166- Creon reveals that Laius was killed by a band of thieves
· Pg. 167- Oedipus vows to avenge the death of the murdered King Laius, and the priest is satisfied with his promise
· Pg. 168- The chorus implores the gods to help Oedipus in his task
· Pg. 169- Chorus speaks of the countless horrors Thebes has endured
· Pg. 170- The chorus asks their favored gods to help punish the god of the underworld, Hades