Religious Issues in Dramatic Literature

A detailed Summary of Religious Issues in Dramatic Literature

RELIGIOUS ISSUES IN DRAMATIC LITERATURE

1.In your opinion, how fair is it to say that Oedipus is morally guilty? Does he argue that he is morally innocent because he did not intend to do immoral deeds? Can it be said that he is guilty of hubris, but that hubris has nothing to do with his fall?

Oedipus is caught in a world of true human nature. He lives his life in free will to choose whatever direction he desires, yet because he fears there is truth to the predictions of the gods he is held captive by his own emotion rather than reasoning. Oedipus states, "I ran for someplace where I'd never see come true outrages like those predicted for me. But my flight carried me to just the place where you say that the king was killed". Unconsciously, he allows the gods of destiny to lead him into the bloodied hands of fate. Oedipus is morally guilty for all the actions that he carried out. Even though he did not know it was his father, he killed a man. The Bible clearly states, "Thou shall not kill''. Oedipus did not kill to protect himself. This was an act of rage and sin.

Oedipus initiated many of the situations that became his downfall. Human nature is to sin. "For all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of G

God arranged Christ to give his life for everyone, but the choice was made out of Christ' own free will. In another manner, Portia's father had arranged for her to find a husband, by allowing the man to choose a coffin. Nerissa says, "you should refuse to perform your Father's will, if you should refuse to accept him". This is proof that Portia had a choice and a responsibility. The coffins represent death to self to anyone who accepts the responsibility to marry Portia. As Christians we must be willing to lay down what we want in the hands of the Savior.

This play appears to be written as a proverb or tale to impart wisdom. It takes human will to an extreme to focus on the real subject. Humans are not forced by gods to carry out hideous lives of murder, rape, incest, and lies. These are human actions that follow with extreme consequences. Obviously, Oedipus' efforts did not lead him to happiness or fulfillment.

He searched feverishly to prove that he was not morally guilty, not for the sake of others but for his own sake. Finally the truth appears to Oedipus by the voice of Tiresias saying, "I say, you are the killer you would find". This was the accusation of guilt that Oedipus believed would fall on another man's head. Then Oedipus replies with pride, lashing out against those who brought him the truth he forced them to speak. Tiresias makes a wise statement that trickles through the outline of this play: "Forever, truth lasts." Truth is unchangeable. It is black and white without any exceptions. In the end Oedipus must claim responsibility.

od." (Romans 6:23) To say that he did not mean to kill his father, or that he did not mean to force his servants to find the truth does not take away his responsibility. Every human that has ever lived has committed sin. Jesus Christ came to give us life, but in order to receive life we must ask forgiveness for our sins. This is a form of taking responsibility. Oedipus argues his innocence because he does not want to be responsible for his sin.

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Approximate Word count = 2998
Approximate Pages = 12 (250 words per page double spaced)

Category: Religion