Discuss about the Greeks as a result of professional Interview……………
The Greek is one of the earliest societies on earth to be civilized. Most societies in the world adopted the Greek way of life especially on matters to do with social and economic ways of life. On matters of religion, they had their own gods who they believed controlled each and every aspect of their lives. There was the superior god known as Zeus and below him were the minor gods. Anything thought to have a great impact on the beliefs and customs of their society was referred to Zeus. Other minor issues could be handled by the other gods below him. The gods were believed to have higher mental capacities than those of men. (Berens 27)
These gods were highly respected and held in awe. Nobody dared disobey them because the repercussions were unimaginable. Even the known heroes in that society could not think of leave alone disobey these mortals. There were no known events or occasions in the Greek history when the gods were disobeyed. Who then is Oedipus? Where did he get this prophecy from? How blind is he to the consequences of his actions? ”The gods directed peoples destiny” (Berens 58)
Oedipus must be a very daring and courageous man who wants to do the unthinkable. He has no respect for the morals and customs in that society and that is why he wants to do a very stupid thing of upstaging his real father in his own home in order to enforce a prophecy. He is ignorant of what punishment the gods will mete out on him when he kills his own father. He is not very inquisitive on the source of the prophecy. He ought to have known that the evil world is also active and we should not take anything that it brings our way. The prophecy could forecast a bad omen and he ought to have consulted senior members of the society to know the way forward.
He does not fear doing what is considered an abomination as long as the prophecy is fulfilled. The gods were believed to hold the sway when it came to interpreting dreams and prophecies that came upon any member of the society. Instead of Oedipus praying to the gods for protection against such a horrible prophecy, he executes it. Due to his independent mindedness he does what is morally degrading and criminal.
He seems to be challenging the authority of the gods over their protective role on the society. The source of this prophecy according to him seems to rank higher than these gods.
The fearless character of Oedipus is displayed by the seriousness he portrays. A child who has been born and brought up by his parents is always respectful to them. He owes his adulthood to them. For him to think that he can sleep with the mother after killing his dad is unheard of. Crimes of murder and incest in a household were absolutely rare in the early societies. Oedipus must have been a radical who did not have time for a second thought. He accommodated any thought that crossed his mind and executed it irrespective of the consequences. His parents must have been outranged by the acts of their son which were a clear show of disrespect, stupidity and arrogance. The gods were also known to be ruthless with anyone who went against the established social order. Anyone daring the gods through acts of arrogance like Oedipus could invite serious reprisals to himself, family and the entire society at large. Such reprisals included disease outbreaks, drought, famine and even death of an entire generation. For Oedipus not to care and think about these consequences, clearly shows a man who was as arrogant as much as he was fearless. His committal of the most heinous crimes in any society of murder, rape and incest and also invoking the wrath of the gods is a clear indication of an overzealous person. He is ready to live with the consequences of interpreting his awkward prophecy. The gods were revered and their names were never mentioned carelessly. (Murray 80)
Oedipus was also not religious. He shows no respect to the gods and behaves like there is another power above Zeus. He considers his actions proper despite the fact that they smell of foolishness and childishness. The gods were believed to be the source of everything; the food people ate, the air people breathed; simply controlled all aspects of life. He is blind to the fact that many known heroes in the society like Heracles, Achilles, Ajax and Odysseus have never attempted to upstage the gods.
He does not fear the reprisals that will arise from his blind actions. His lack of forthrightness will cause him untold suffering and eventually death, as his acts are considered an abomination in the society. The belief by Oedipus clearly shows that according to him there is a very strong power above Zeus. It is better for him to live with the consequences rather than not effect his prophecy.
His evil character is also displayed when he chooses to do unacceptable acts against people he ought to have showed great respect to. The commission of such acts of immorality cannot be wished even to your worst enemy; but due to his evilness he sees no harm in doing what many cannot dream of. It is something he is prepared to live with. He does not think twice about doing it. Fate ranks very high in Oedipus actions and he is unstoppable in executing his wishes. He apparently behaves like a man who is out of his mind. In many societies people tend to ignore the established mechanisms of handling and sorting out issues. Ignorance has greatly contributed to the moral decadence in our societies today.
Oedipus behavior is clearly manifested in children disobeying their parents in pursuit of narrow dreams. These dreams collapse and the majority blame fate. Many young adults today do very many things behind their parents back .These actions sometimes cause untold suffering to their parents and guardians who despite having been actively involved in their upbringing are suddenly relegated to the periphery. We should always consult before making major decisions because the consequences may be irreversible and detrimental.
Works cited
Berens, E.M. Myths and Legends of Ancient Greece and Rome, 2010. Web. 3rd April, 2012
Murray Gilbert. A History of Ancient Greek Literature, 1897 .Web. 3rd April, 2012
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