Oedipus: Worst-Case-Scenario Literature

Wow... Oedipus is depressing. But I guess back in ancient times when tragedy was a popular genre for plays, someone gouging their eyes out was entertaining, at least to the Greeks. Anyways, I guess a good place to start with this blog would be to pick up on in-class discussions. I remember our class contemplating on whether not Oedipus was a "good guy" or a "bad guy". Although he isn't a very genuine individual (like when Oedipus says he suffers more than anyone, even though he is not being directly afflicted by the plague), he does seem to have his country in mind. Personally, I believe that Oedipus is a man that has good intentions, but with a little fate, he finds a way to screw over everything. In more academic terms, Oedipus is oblivious to the world around him; as his insecurity turns to paranoia, and his confidence turns to abhorrence, Oedipus begins to collapse on himself like a dying star. Although Oedipus is certainly not altruistic, he does his best to rid the city of the plague and discover the true murderer, even though all of this is done in ignorance. So after marrying mommy and killing daddy, and basically having the worst luck of any human ever, he gouges his eyes out. Not exactly a happy ending, but hey, you can't fight fate...or can you?

Fate is an interesting concept. I suppose it depends upon how we define fate. Is fate a possible path that has been intended for our future? Or is it an undeniable, unchangeable destination that has been cemented in our lives and cannot be altered? Or is fate a myth, pure fabrication? Im not really sure. I'm no philosopher but if i had to take a guess,  I'd say that fate ( at least in terms of the supernatural) is not real. I believe that each of us is free to do as we wish and to make unexpected or unpredictable changes in our lives. Some might say "well it was fate that made you make those changes and fate that caused you to come to that conclusion." One could make an argument that fate is simply an end result, no matter what the result is. In that capacity. fate would be undeniable but at the same time, it's influence could not be proved. If fate were susceptible to free will and choice, it would create a alternate reality, without proof of its existence. In oedipus case, fate's intervention was quite apparent,; however, in real life we don't prophecies and we don't have oracles. This is where "willful suspension of disbelief" comes in. Does fate exist? Oedipus' literary universe it does, outside of that, who knows....

Something else we talked about in class that I wanted to review was Oedipus' name. I think we were trying to understand why Oedipus is named the way he is. Mr. Bahlman told us that Oedipus can be translated into "misshapen foot" or "swollen foot". As I was reading I stumbled upon a couple lines that referenced Oedipus birth and how the tendons in his feet were bound together. During a dialogue between Oedipus and the messenger on page 644, the messenger says, "...the tendons of your feet were pierced and fettered...so that from this you're called your present name". So to clarify the discussion we had in class, Oedipus is named so because of the injuries he sustained to his when he was bound up and abandoned in the wilderness. Polybus must have noticed the abnormal scars and damage found on Oedipus' feet and ankles, and named him rightly so. If you wanna know a little more about the correlation between the scars and Oedipus name check out this website: http://www.shmoop.com/oedipus-the-king/scars-on-oedipus-feet-symbol.html

The end...

WC: 627

Beowulf: Arm-Ripper Blood-Spiller

This week was all about the complexities of superheroes, Angelo-Saxon culture and just how badass Beowulf is (or was). Since I've never really blogged before I guess I'll open up with a discussion centered on Angelo-Saxon culture, or at least cultural references in the literature. I know we covered it in class but there are somethings I'd like to review. Personally, I think there are three major characteristics that take priority in Angelo-Saxon inspired literature; these attributes are: pride, loyalty, and respect. Of course this is just my own personal opinion but  the story of Beowulf really seems to highlight these specific characteristics. Pride: Beowulf sails across the sea so that he can defeat the infamous demon Grendel. I'm sure that Beowulf wanted to help the Danes, but lets be real, he chooses to fight Grendel so that he may find pride in a legendary victory. The literature also suggests that loyalty is an important component in the Angelo-Saxon lifestyle. Before embarking on the voyage to go fight Grendel, Beowulf first asks his King's permission. I think that the balance between pride and loyalty is fairly offset by Beowulf's boasts, but it still makes for an interesting dynamic. Lastly, I'd say respect is of huge importance to Beowulf. Beowulf does not simply want to pride himself in his own doings, but wants to act in a way that makes others respect him, such as taking off his armor to fight Grendel. Although such an action does serve as bragging rights, Beowulf states, "So I shall bear no blade in the night if he sees fit to fight without weapons." Beowulf could still have a hearty serving of pride if he defeated Grendel with a sword, but he chooses to test his raw power in a hand-to-hand melee.

In class today we also went over different attributes that Beowulf had that made him heroic, or superheroic (if thats a word). Super human: yes, courageous: yes, selfless: definitely not. I suppose not all superheroes are selfless. Take Iron Man and Bat Man for example, if they were truly selfless they would  give away their fortunes and keep only what they need to fight crime, save the day and what not. Generally, however, I would say that superheroes should be altruistic. Not to mention, Beowulf is less focused on the common good and is more focused on his ego. So is Beowulf a superhero? In my opinion yes, at least he was about 1200 years ago. Its all about cultural preference. In modern times, he's just a really strong dude who will tear your arm off if it makes him look good. 

Here's an interesting idea: is Beowulf, the story itself, directly symbolic in any way? That's something i wondered as I read through Part 1. Of course there is the symbolic struggle of good vs. evil, but what about Grendel? Is he directly symbolic of something? A sin perhaps? Or is he simply an evil monster that likes to eat Thanes for breakfast? Im not sure, but something makes me think that many bits and pieces in Beowulf are meant to represent something else entirely. Beowulf is obviously meant to symbolize the perfect warrior and hero, but does Unferth represent something? Does Hrothgar? I have no idea, but it is food for thought. 

Final Statements: Beowulf is awesome. The class discussions are awesome. This class is awesome.

WC:565