uniform chaos
In Sopohocles' tragedy "Oedipus the King", Oedipus proclaims " it was I who have pronounced these curses on myself" (Madden 37). With this announcement, Oedipus is aware that his pursuit for order has led to a life of chaos. The central thesis is that the presumption of order establishes physical, intellectual, and spiritual chaos. The text's reference to the sphinx, Oedipus, and Tiresias creates this notion. These three literal signifiers are the metaphoric symbolizers of physical, intellectual, and spiritual chaos. The concept of physical chaos is first introduced during the first speech of the priest when reference is made to the "harsh singer" (Madden 37), the sphinx. In greek mythology, the sphinx is recognised as a hybrid creature with a woman's head, a lion's body, an eagle's wings, and a serpent's tail. In reality, "the virgin with the crooked talons" (Madden 48), is a unique archetype for many things in one single being. The sphinx is an epitome of destruction and chaos who establishes "the tax [they] had to pay [her]" (Madden 17) because she devourers all who fail to answer her riddle. Her domination of Thebes causes havoc and melancholic responses that are directly related to the degree of her physical chaos. The
The mention of Tiresias in the play signifies spiritual chaos. He is a blind but wise prophet who "sees more [...] than Lord Phoebus" (Madden 24). Tiresias knows the truth about Oedipus and states: "he'll be shown a father who is also brother; to the one who bore him, son and husband; to his father, his seed-fellow and killer" (Madden 28). Tiresias has "the strength of the truth" (Madden 25) and chaos evolves when he does not speak of the truth he knows. With this, Oedipus accuses him of being "[part] of [the] plot [to murder Laius]" (Madden 26), when in reality, "[Oedipus is the] enemy" (Madden 27). Tiresias is blind due to natural causes, but when Oedipus tries to achieve his level of wisdom, all that is obtained is chaos. "[H]e snatched the pins [...] and struck Acquiring order cannot exist without the concept of chaos. The realization that order leads to chaos manifests man's pursuit for an unreachable end. The challenge to accomplish a life of order involves smart decision making, and this process is essential for physical, intellectual and spiritual chaos. be his [father's] murderer. When [Oedipus] heard this, and the oracle's words come true." (Madden 37)." As the sphinx is the measure of highest physical ch
Some common words found in the essay are:
Oedipus Tiresias, Phoebus Oedipus, Laius Madden, Phoebus Madden, King Oedipus, Oedipus Acquiring, madden 37, chaos oedipus, spiritual chaos, physical intellectual spiritual, , intellectual spiritual, physical intellectual, physical chaos, madden 26, intellectual spiritual chaos, pronounced curses madden, pronounced curses, intellectual chaos, madden 27, curses madden 37,
Approximate Word count = 842
Approximate Pages = 3 (250 words per page double spaced)
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