HI! I am wondering if I made a clear, concise essay. My assignment is to do a close reading of Oedipus. I chose to focus on one particular symbol which is the crossroad. Thanks!
Sophocles' work Oedipus the King focuses on the consequences and ill-fated demise a prophecy brings in Oedipus's life. Since birth, Oedipus faces the doom of eventually becoming his father's murderer and husband to his mother. Sophocles inconspicuously incorporates symbolism to make readers investigate the symbols' relations to the prophecy. One distinct symbol, the crossroad, symbolizes the disastrous reunion yet to come between Laius and Oedipus. As the symbol of the crossroad signify the crucial moment of Oedipus's commencement of the prophecy, thoughts arise on what connotations this symbol reveals and its impact on a reader's perspective of the play.
Interestingly, the crossroad signifies the crucial moment where Laius and Oedipus unknowingly reunite. Crossroads typically symbolizes points at which crucial decisions can affect the layout of one's life. Essentially, we come upon a road that diverges into paths. These so called paths are not representations of roads but figuratively are various decisions with distinct outcomes. The decision to pick which path is entirely up to the individual. Knowing which path is the right decision to take will remain a mystery until one embarks on one of the paths. These connotations of a crossroad parallels "to the place where three roads join" Oedipus comes upon. It figuratively translates the point in which Oedipus can embrace his destiny or veer away from the prophecy. Readers can conclude Oedipus may have the free will to take charge of his life in spite of the supposed prophecy. The prophecy may say Oedipus's life is full of doom, but the crossroads oppose the notion by signifying alternative options.
It is a curious thing that the crossroad is where three roads meet. Why is it there are three roads? The crossroads may have been even five roads. However, the number three might be significant in Oedipus's life. I perceive the number three as possibly being the representation of Oedipus himself. Aside from his identity as king, Oedipus has three identities in the familial aspect. Altogether, he is a son, father, and husband but not in the normal standards of a family structure. His wife is also his mother while his children are his siblings. Oedipus emphasizes this point as he recognizes his true identity as " father, brother, and son"(Sophocles 64). The usage of the number three can also refer to Jocasta's status for she is also " bride, wife, mother" (Sophocles 64). These three identifications haunt Jocasta and Oedipus for it reminds them of the incestuous interrelations within their family. The three roads may be foretelling what Oedipus is to become. Each road identifies a part of him. The three associations tie back to the predictions of the oracle.
Additionally, the three roads may allude to the three possible paths Oedipus could embark. First, Oedipus can turn around and find his way back home. He could ignore the prophecy. He goes back to his adopted parents and remains Prince of Corinth. Secondly, he holds his temper although Laius and his entourage antagonize him. This results in no murders and fights. Oedipus continues his journey while Laius returns to his kingdom. Then it comes down to the final option which Oedipus kills Laius and most of his entourage. These three paths emphasize the various ways Oedipus's life may turn out. Then again, these three roads may also allude to Oedipus's life but in terms of time. Each of the roads may represent the past, present, and future. The crossroad is ultimately where the past, present, and future collide with each other. The past finally catches up with the present as Laius and Oedipus meet again. Once Oedipus loses his temper, he embarks on the road to his future.
Furthermore, the number three can come down to the circumstances of Oedipus's birth. Jocasta mentions the banishment of her child " as for the child/not yet three days old, when he cast it out" (Sophocles 45). This may be the reason why three is such a symbolic number. The unraveling of the prophecy begins to unfold after the exile of Oedipus. Hypothetically, we can assume three is an extremely significant number. After Oedipus's abandonment, the number three arises in several points of the play. Look back to the previously mentioned hypothetical connotations. These connotations occur when Oedipus grows up. His birth parents' rejection eventually releases a chain of events to play out in his life.
Consequently, my interpretation of the symbol of the crossroads changes my earlier perceptions of the play. There are suspicions that the prophecy comes true especially when Tiresias the blind prophet proclaims " the killer you are seeking for " is Oedipus (Sophocles 36). I infer Oedipus has been condemned to lead the life in accordance to the prophecy. There are no ways out of this disastrous situation. Fate is undoubtedly irreversible and rigid with no loopholes. Then the symbol of the crossroad sparks some hope and assumptions of changing the prophecy. If we take in account the three paths, we can spur three distinctive outcomes. What if Oedipus indeed went home after hearing the oracle? He would have gone back to his kingdom and eventually rise as King of Corinth. He and Laius may not meet ever again. If they did, it might not be under the predicted circumstances. If Oedipus did not retaliate in anger to the driver, an altercation would not result in Laius's death. In the event of Laius's survival, no marriage takes place between Jocasta and Oedipus. Oedipus would have never gone towards Thebes. All of these "what ifs" questions could alter the original story. I keep in mind that the unfortunate fate of Oedipus likely could be prevented. However, it brings into question whether there are alternative paths in this play. After the revelation of Oedipus truly being the lost son, it is odd to hint possibilities of alternative paths earlier. Oedipus indeed makes a momentous decision at the crossroad, but it is the one he is predestined. The basis of the play is that no matter how many attempts, it is futile to escape fate. The oracle's predictions carry out despite efforts to find loopholes. In the end, every bit of the prophecy is fulfilled. The symbol of the crossroad falsely implies that Oedipus has several choices. This makes the readers ponder what is the reasoning behind this symbol. It seems like the play tries to mock or trick Oedipus in believing prophecies can be altered. Eventually fate overpowers everything else as seen in the circumstances revolving around Oedipus. From the beginning, Oedipus has no chance of altering his destiny. He is doomed to the unfortunate fate of incestuous relations and murder.
The symbol of the crossroad applies its literal meaning figuratively in the case of Oedipus. It conveys numerous connotations such as the past, present, and future of Oedipus or the three directions Oedipus's life can proceed. If a reader goes beyond the figurative meaning, another symbol, the number three, surfaces within the crossroad. Ultimately, close reading of "Oedipus the king" permits the readers to see hidden symbolic meanings, which could affect perspectives of how the play is perceived.
