Jocasta vs. Oedipus: Fate
by Caitlin Joy Cabanilla
1. We believe that a reason Jocasta and Oedipus are still refusing to see the truth about his guilt is "love". Jocasta, especially, is finding it difficult to believe that a loved one is guilty of any crime. Similar to the way that mothers often give their children the benefit of the doubt.
2. Jocasta
2.1. Lines 665-666: "Hear me. I have no belief in the prophetic art."
2.2. Lines 669-679: In these lines, Jocasta shares the oracle she was told about her son growing up, killing his father, and marrying his mother (Jocasta).
2.3. Due to the fact that Laius pierced the ankles of Jocasta's son and Jocasta assumed that he had died- Jocasta was convinced that fate and oracles were not true because in her eyes, the oracle she was told was never fulfilled.
2.3.1. Reminds me of the way many modern day aetheists base their thinking where they deny the existence of god due to the fact that they have never had a mystical experience and will continue to refuse him until they see or hear from him.
2.4. Lines 638-641: Here is an small conversation between Jocasta and the Chorus. It exposes Jocasta as a more rational person who tries to work problems out instead of just blaming them on fate or the gods in the same manner Oedipus and almost everyone in Thebes does,
3. Why Jocasta and Oedipus are not fully convinced of his guilt?
4. Oedipus
4.1. Has a firm belief in fate/prophets
4.2. lines 747-748: " I went straight to Delphi, to the oracle. I questioned him." > Oedipus went to the Oracle for guidance, showing his belief in fate and prophecy to direct his choices.
4.3. lines 64-66: "I have sent Creon, son of Menoeceus, brother of the queen, to Delphi. There at Apollo's oracle he will learn, if he can, what I must do to save the city." > Oedipus once again consults the oracle at Delphi for advice because
4.4. And though he is in disbelief at Tiresias and his prophecy, that is because he is being accused of murder firsthand. But his faith in the art of prophecy is evident through his reflection of Tiresisas' prophecy at the end of scene 2.
4.4.1. he trusts in the Gods/Fates more in comparison to Jocasta, who is more rational.