Student Question
How does the concept of honor manifest in Oedipus Rex?
Quick answer:
In "Oedipus Rex," honor is exemplified through Oedipus's response upon discovering his true parentage. Despite the shocking revelation that his wife, Jocasta, is his mother, Oedipus chooses not to conceal the truth. Instead, he blinds himself and demands to be shown to the people of Thebes, ultimately accepting exile. His actions demonstrate honor as he prioritizes truth and responsibility over maintaining power and secrecy.
One way in which honor is manifested in the play is in Oedipus's reaction when he discovers the truth about his marriage. As we would hope all people would be, he is shocked to learn that his wife is actually his birth mother. Instead of trying to hide the details from his people, however, after he gouges out his own eyes (perhaps because they looked at his naked mother, which is something a son should not do), he commands that he be shown to the people of Thebes and then goes into exile. He could have killed the messenger, put Jocasta away somewhere, and kept his secret and his throne. However, he shows that he is an honorable man by doing the right thing.
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