Allegory in "Oedipus the King"

Paper Summary:

This paper discusses the notion of infanticide in "Oedipus the King", by Sophocles, as an allegorical tool used to portray familial struggles, free will, and finally hubris of both the self, and in the context of a society in general. After a detailed analysis, the paper comes to the conclusion that the role of infanticide is clearly present; however it is merely a tool which Sophocles uses to expose larger cultural and social issues that were critical to the ancient Greek society.

From the Paper:

"In the work Oedipus the King by Sophocles, the theme of infanticide is clearly presented to the audience. The context of Sophocles play is important to consider when beginning a discussion of this very heated debate regarding infanticide. The Greek theatre was central to an Athenian's life. The theatre, and Sophocles specifically, were imminently important and crucial to the social networking of the common Athenian. At these plays, people intermingled, gossiped, and connected with their common neighbors and friends. Further, these plays presented central themes that these common citizens all had to deal with on a day to day basis. Themes such as the limitations of free will and destiny were clearly covered in these plays."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Carroll, Michael P. "Levi-Strauss on the Oedipus Myth: A Reconsideration." American Anthropologist December 1978: 805-814.
• Dodds, E.R. "On Misunderstanding the Oedipus Rex." Greece and Rome April 1966: 37-49
• Francis, E.D. "Oedipus Achaemenides." The American Journal of Philology Fall 1992: 333-357

More papers on Allegory in "Oedipus the King":

• Analytical Essay # 148152 : "Fate, Free Will, And Pride In Oedipus The King"
• Analytical Essay # 71234 : "Fate in "Oedipus the King"
• Analytical Essay # 141250 : "Men and Women in "Oedipus The King" and "Medea"

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