As we know, Jocasta functions both as a mother and wife to Oedipus. However, I think that Jocasta’s “maternal side” trumps her duties as a lover. I think the best example of this is when the shepard arrives in Thebes and begins to tell the story of who the parents of Oedipus are. Obviously, Jocasta realizes she is the mother of Oedipus before he does and urges him to call off the search for his parents. She repeatedly begs him to stop looking for his own sake.
This instance of trying to save him from finding out that she is his mother, serves as a way of protection toward Oedipus. By trying to protect him, she puts his best interest before her own which is the key element in being a mother. Prior to this event, we also see Jocasta attempting to mend the relationship between Oedipus and Creon. She says, “Have you no sense? Poor misguided men, such shouting- why this public outburst” (590). Once again, Jocasta asserts her mother-like abilities to settle the feud between these two men. In a way, the “fight” between Oedipus and Creon serves as a symbol for two children fighting. Whenever two kids fight, their mother to quick to come in and break it up. Even when Jocasta is unaware that she is the mother of Oedipus, she still acts in a mother-like way.
Lastly, Jocasta continues to comfort and protect him as she recounts the story about her son that she left with the shepherds; as we know, she is talking about Oedipus. She tells Oedipus the story of leaving her son with his ankles tied on the Mount with the shepherds because of the prophecy that he would kill both his parents. Due to the fact that neither Oedipus or Jocasta know the truth at this point, she tells him this story to “prove” that prophecies are false and completely useless. Overall, I see Jocasta more as a mother than a lover towards Oedipus.
What do y’all think? Agree? Disagree?
4 comments:
I agree that Jocasta frequently acts like a maternal figure in the play. This just shows how much dramatic irony is woven into the play. Since the myth existed before the play, everyone in the audience would have realized how maternal Jocasta was acting and seen it as a clever nod to the very unfortunate outcome of the play. This irony can also be seen in Oedipus' exchange with Tiresias where Tiresias says that people will soon call Oedipus blind.
Jocasta is definitely more mother than lover in the play. Throughout the entire play she is seen as a wise matriarch whom Oedipus can turn to in his time of confusion. The play never really delves into their romantic relationship or tells us about their love life (which is probably intentional as it would be very weird as we all know they are mother and son)
I think Jocasta does act as a maternal figure several times in the play. I found it interesting that she acts as a protector figure, especially as pointed out the time when she discovers the truth before Oedipus. I believe Oedipus didn't know her intention was to save him, rather to save herself from being part of a lower class family. I also cannot help but imagine that Apollo, throughout the duration of the play, is sitting above in the clouds snickering at everybody's misfortunes. Oedipus, likewise, acts similar to a child having a tantrum at many moments, not the least of which being his interactions with Jocasta.
I completely agree and think that dramatic irony plays a big part in her motherly figure even when she’s considered a lover. Maybe her motherly figure is what drove oedipus towards her...
Post a Comment