- 1
In some versions of the Oedipus myth, Jocasta and Laius together give Oedipus to the shepherd to leave in the mountains. What is the effect of having Jocasta do it alone in this version?
Since Jocasta alone gave the baby away to be killed in Sophocles’ version, it is easy to imagine the distress that it would cause her to learn her actions were for nothing—she left her son to die in order to save him and their family from pain, but no one has been spared.
- 2
What responsibility does the shepherd have in causing the misfortunes that have come to Oedipus and his family? Has he too tried to thwart the will of the gods?
This is a question of interpretation. If defending...
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