sophocles journal #3

each character so far all speak to Apollo the most. Apollo is the god of the sun, and life so it makes sense that this is the god that people turn to most often, "So I turn to you, Apollo, you are nearest"(Oedipus 1007), the chorus and Jostica feel that this god is closer and easier to pray to. the fact that they are connecting to this god more suggests that the people are clinging to life more, as well as warmth, prosperity, and all other things associated with the sun which shows that the people are desperate and in a time of need. the most common symbol used is that of birds in the sky, the symbol represents prophesies and things of this nature, "why scan the birds that scream above our heads?"(Oedipus 1056-1057) this quote can then be interpreted to question looking for prophesies that suggest such terrible things. one metaphor used on page 209 discusses the consequences of pride, making it seem like pride is something that can be gorged and soon become "overripe and rich with ruin" (Oedipus 965). most of the characters feel that the gods are all powerful and end up deciding everything, unless what they predict is exceedingly terrible. Jocasta seems to deny the prophesy foretold by Apollo just because it is so out there, yet she ends up realizing that it is true. never the less, the chorus especially, constantly prays to the gods for help, and believe that they determine everything and whatever they say is right "the god does not grow old"(Oedipus 162-163).