The first passage indicating foreshadowing discovered from the Prologue was, “We’re here as suppliants all begging you to find some help for us, either by listening to a heavenly voice, or learning from some other human being.” (41) I think this is specifically hinting the two options King Oedipus has to solve their problem. It struck me as though there weren’t any other choices he was allowed or could make. This could either mean that he would choose one or the other, both, or, to twist the story a bit, go against what is anticipated and decide upon another method to help get their city out of this rut.
The second passage found was, “Don’t let our memory of your ruling here declare that we were first set right again, and later fell. No. Restore our city...” (50) First off, if it was not for the whole “three lines or less” deal I totally would have added the first sentence too. Anyways...This gives the reader different kinds of information as it does not just foreshadow a possible rebellion/revolt, disgrace upon the king his city and his people, loss of power, and maybe even exile or death (hey, anything could happen), but gives us a glance back in time with a flashback indicating Oedipus had done something noble and good enough for them to remember now and expect a continuation. It hints the many negatives that might follow should he not follow through with what the people and city want and need while simultaneously giving him a sort of (really bad) “pep talk”. The priest is basically telling him, you’ve helped us out of some serious...doo-doo before and have won our trust and faith in you...Don’t screw that up.
Lastly, the third passage, “But when I count the days--the time he’s been away--I now worry what he’s doing. For he’s been gone too long, well past the time he should have taken.”(72) This could be nudge-nudge, wink-wink...foreshadow-foreshadow--? (:/) (I’ve used hint too much) --ing a few things. Then again, almost any sentence could go more than one route...such as the unexpected. However, plain and simple, he stated he is worried and the entire passage just gives you this eery feel that something is wrong.
First off, just based on this speech, I think Oedipus is a smart one. He offers more than reasonable solutions and possibilities for the people to do for the good of not just themselves but for the common good of the rest of the citizens, King included, and the city. He also stated these with what seems to be good judgement and maturity. He could have just been like, “Listen up! You people better start talking about who killed whatshisface or you all get to die and we’re doomed.”...But he did not. The speech, even for me, was intriguing and had I been in the place of any of the citizens or even the murderer, yeah, it would take some guts, but I think it’s obvious to just come forward and say what you know, if you know.
Oedipus proposed for anyone who knows any vital information, mainly WHO the murderer and thence the reason for their city’s hell-like stated, is, to come forward. Should they do this, killer included, would nothing bad (apart from the light and ONLY punishment of exile in regards to the murderer) occur. He is asking them out of better judgment, bravery, safety for everyone, himself and the city included, faith, and desire for justice to come forward.
If that does not already say how intelligent, calm, reassuring, fair, good, and decently selflessly (he does not want to die himself so he’s no saint) he approaches justice (the first time around), I do not know what would.
I think it depends a lot on how you define fate personally for you to be able to state how both it and justice co-exist. If you think fate is what is meant to happen then I’d say justice and fate might as well be the same word...if fate is considered a positive thing as justice is (or should be viewed as in all situations). But if you believe fate is more ‘everything happens for a reason’ then it gets tricky. Should a criminal walk free from punishment does that mean justice has been served? Not in my opinion. Yet, with their freedom and knowledge of although they committed a crime they got away with it might they choose to change for the better. Fate is more a game of chance whereas to me, ‘justice needs to be served’.
In this way do I think yeah, if you are lucky or have certain opinions on the takes of both words, you could have both simultaneously (they can coexist).
Wreathed: A curled/circular formation ((most often in regards to a decorative piece) (commonly created with foliage))
Enigmatic: Confusing.
Countenance: Appearance/expression upon a face; support, permittance encouragement, or approval; Composure.
Didn’t read the “300 words or less overall” until, of course, AFTER I was done. Don’t know how to do a “word count”...don’t think I want to either...EEP! *Hangs head in shame beforehand*
-Emilie(:
Always so many secrets buried in the directions...
ReplyDeleteGreat job with the foreshadowing.