Oedipus and Pericles

2. Oedipus andPericles Descended from one of the foremost families, but rose to power not because of birth, but rather because of public speaking skills By attempting to do the right thing, he led the community to plague Even with plague, failed to recognize he was the cause of disaster Suffered horrible personally (witnessing the death of his two natural sons to plague) Eventually was voted out of office, prosecuted and died of the plague • Descended from one of the foremost families, but rose to power not because of birth, but rather because of ability to solve riddle • By attempting to do the right thing, he led the community to plague • Even with plague, failed to recognize he was the cause of disaster • Suffered horrible personally (recognition of his identity, his incestuous relationship with his mother and the true nature of his children) • Eventually realized error and 1) blinded himself, then 2) self-ostracized himself

3. Sophocles andPericles • Perhaps only in the Democratic society Pericles created and nurtured could political criticism such as that leveled by Sophocles against Pericles have ever been allowed • Perhaps Sophocles owes Pericles an enormous debt… • Pericles provided the environment in which Sophocles’ art form could flourish • Pericles provided the topics and themes that Sophocles constructed his dramas around • How much authority does the state (political community) have to limit the activities of citizens? • Do citizens have a responsibility to demonstrate civil disobedience towards the state at times or is absolute obedience to the state always required? • Which law is greater: the laws of the gods or the laws of man and the state? • What does it mean to be a citizen and can a citizen withdraw from the state and community? • What responsibilities do we owe to family and do these responsibilities supersede responsibilities to the gods or to the state?