Oedipus -Discussion - Essay Example

MAKE SURE NO PLAGIARIZM!!!! -------------------------------Part Read attached reading instructions on Oedipus module and comment on the following questions.1.  If Oedipus was one of our presidential candidates, would you vote for him? Why or why not? (Youll need to answer conceptually based on his qualities.obviously we dont know his record on Iraq, social policies, etc.)Oedipus has his own drawbacks and the main drawback is the disobedience. He did not want to believe in fate but tried to deceive it, thus was punished.

However, he was successfully fighting with difficulties and is rather noble, courage and fair. Thus I would vote for him. 2. Oedipus is a very modern man in his individualistic instincts and his defiance of Fate and circumstance. Can you relate to him as such? Is there any way that he reminds you of yourself? If so, how? (If not, explain that too.)I like Oedipus’ desire to struggle with fate. I would do the same if I were Oedipus and actually we are fighting with our fate every day in the modern world.

Thus, Oedipus is really rather modern personality and his qualities would help him if he lived in the today’s world.-------------------------------Part 2-----------------------------------------------Create two responses for each student response below. Do NOT COPY STUDENTS RESPONSES. ------------------------------------------------Student Response #1---------------------------------------------------------------1) Being a politician in today political climate means not keeping your word, "smear campaigning" and building secret alliances with others for self interest.

Todays politician will just about say anything to hold and retain a public post. These qualities contradict our tragic hero Oedipus. Unlike politicians today Oedipus was a man with honor and character. Creon, the king Oedipuss brother-in-law, says"If you wish to hear the news in public, Im prepared to speak. Or we could step inside."108 This gave me a first glimpse as to his character and commitment to his constituents. Todays politicians like former presidents Richard M. Nixon and his Watergate scandal or Bill J.

Clinton and his Whitewater scandal prefer secret misdeeds to be kept from public knowledge. Yet, Oedipus chose to address all matter publicly. I admire the tenaciousness of our tragic hero for standing on his moral compass oppose to allowing public opinion to shape his every decision. Throughout our protagonist, Oedipus, remained honest even when he possessed the power to forgive his own misdeed. Would these previously mentioned former presidents have done the same given the humiliation they suffered?

Oedipus would keep his campaign promises, be open with information, and would have earned my vote. Although, It is difficult to imagine Oedipus style of politic with todays ; I would vote for Oedipus given the other alternative politicians. Many African-Americans, not to far in todays past, dare imagined a President of the United State of America whom would represent their qualities, pride and shared heritage. Yet, we see that sometime the unimaginable is made a reality. 1) The given response lacks critical attitude towards Oedipus as tragic hero.

Tragic hero should not be an ideal man, he always lacks his weaknesses, which many not be the reason of the tragedy but influence his fate. However, the response provides a good analysis of an Oedipus as a politician. 2) I can relate to the principles in Oedipuss character. Yet, I am inclined to be more practical in making decisions especially very important ones. Oedipus possessed many qualities like honesty, integrity, fortitude and courage. I believe these are great qualities and that anyone whom exhibits these characteristics would be worthy of acknowledgement.

I am reminded that many organized religions uniformly accept these qualities as divine in nature. I therefore personally view our tragic hero as both "angelic" and "psychotic". I believe that to truly possess divine qualities one must also possess the "divine mind or the wisdom to appropriately use these other gifts. I see Oedipus as a person who would unduly suffer because of his inability to recognize the proper us of his great qualities. His inability to "reason" is were I find Oedipus to be clinically insane.

Yet, in todays political arena single leaders rarely possess the only vote that counts. I would vote for Oedipus because he remained honest. I would feel self assured because todays politics include checks and balance between powers. This would mean that Oedipus as president would bring all matters to the people and speak honestly. While the senate , house of representatives and the judicial system would hold the line as to how far Oedipus could go. 2) Such response presents an individual point of view.

He author did not analyze the qualities of Oedipus, both positive and negative. He prefers to consider Oedipus to be “insane” that is a very controversial issue.-------------------------------------------------------------Student Response #2--------------------------------------------------1. This is a rather interesting question considering that the character of Oedipus is not one traditionally associated with electable leadership in a modern American democracy. Ian Johnston stated, “from one perspective tragic heroes, like Oedipus are anything but attractive.

They are usually very stubborn, egocentric, humourless, relentlessly convinced of their own rectitude, quick tempered, and unswerving in their pursuit of truth as they see it, with no room for those who would, persuade them otherwise.” With that said, in theory I would answer NO, I would not vote for Oedipus, he is a hot tempered murder, inflexible, a glory-monger, unwilling to retain valid council and consider the opinions of others even with regard to his own life. He also has a belief and a reliance on supernatural/mythical entities (Gods) which I find disconcerting and potentially dangerous.

However, if Oedipus used his qualities/personal characteristic in pursuit of the cultural values and beliefs I support and an agenda that I would be in favor of, then I might consider voting for him.1) The response is rather categorical as it represents Oedipus as a monster. Oedipus was a plain man with his drawbacks and his own character, but he was not a monster at all.2. I find it difficult to relate to the character of Oedipus, I regard him as a person who wanted to prove his power and might over what he believes is more powerful than the average person, and in doing so affirming his strength and superiority.

His failure to overcome Fate came from his belief in Fate; if it were not for his belief in Fate he would have never left his adoptive home, in turn killing his biological father, and marrying his biological mother etc… If Oedipus was defying Fate then he would have ignored the prophecy and would not have taken any preemptive actions against it. Oedipus was not trying to prove that Fate was fiction, he was trying to prove that he was more powerful than the Gods and could beat them at their own game.

The only similarities I can find between myself and Oedipus would be love of family, a desire to resolve problems, and a willingness to except consequences.2) The opinion expressed in this response is also rather individual as in Oedipus Rex the main hero rejects the power of fate and wants to struggle with it. That is why he leaves his home. However, the fate defend Oedipus as he fails to avoid it.