11/27/19 Edmund Yuen PD 7

11/27/2019 

Edmund Yuen Pd. 7 

Aim: How does the introduction of Jocasta in the play add complexity and discord to the drama? 

We started off the lesson with the Do Now: Imagine the situation that Jocasta is in - her husband 

wants to kill/banish her brother for disloyalty. What would you do? 

Kevin and I discussed this and we agreed that it would be difficult to choose either side as one is 

your husband of many years and the other is your brother whom you love and trust dearly. 

When we shared out some people stated that they would choose their brother, Creon, over 

Oedipus. For example, Cornelia said that if she would feel closer to her brother rather than 

Oedipus and would side with Creon. On the other hand, Iandra said she would attempt to placate 

both sides as her husband and her brother were of equal importance and it would be difficult 

to choose a side. 

Ms. Fusaro then explained that the purpose of this do now was to examine

the mindset of Jocasta  as it would be an integral part of the lesson. 

Stichomythia - is a technique in verse drama in which sequences of single alternating lines,

or half-lines, or two-line speeches, are given to alternating characters. It typically

features repetition and antithesis. The term originated in the theatre of Ancient Greece,

though many dramatists since have used the technique. 

Well suited to sections of dramatic dialogue where two characters that are in a violent dispute. 

In-Class Reading 

We then read an example of stichomythia between Creon and Oedipus on pages 134 & 135. 

In this brief exchange between the two, we saw that Oedipus was accusing Creon of sending 

Teiresias to mislead him in order to claim more power. Creon argued that he had no reason to 

seek more power and even more so no reason to betray Oedipus. 

This is an interesting point of the reader as what Creon stated is credible and

makes sense. This brings into question whether Teiresias was telling the truth or

not. This is also another example of Oedipus’ hubris as he refuses to listen to

Creon’s strong arguments as he insists Creon is guilty. 

We then moved on to page 141. 

Ms.Fusaro notes to pay attention to Jocasta.

On this page, Oedipus explains to Jocasta his worries and Teiresias’ prophecy that he was 

destined to “Murder his father and marry his mother”. Jocasta says that is nonsense and explains 

how Laius was killed at a crossroads by robbers and their son was dead. 

Ms. Fusaro mentions Jocasta is essentially a “Mommy-Wife-Cougar”. 

Page 150 & 151. 

We learn that Oedipus’ ‘father’, Polybus, has died. The couple felt relieved as they believe this 

to mean that the prophecy had failed. 

Despite this, Oedipus still worries about bedding his mother. To this Jocasta responded, “As to 

your mother’s marriage bed,-don’t fear it. Before this, in dreams too, as well as oracles, many 

a man has lain with his own mother.” (This is not something that occurs often, in modern times 

or ancient Greece.) In this, we see how similar Jocasta and Oedipus are as they are both in 

denial and avoid the truth as they insist the prophecy has failed. 

Jocasta...A History of Denial? 

We learn about Chrysippus, a divine hero of Elis. He was taught by Laius, but when being 

escorted to the Nemean Games, Laius brought him to Thebes and raped him. 

The class was aghast after learning this. Even more so when learning Chrysippus was only 13. 

This would result in Laius, his city, and his family being cursed and punished by the gods. 

This is another example of children paying for their parent’s actions in Greek Mythology. Oedipus would suffer greatly for his father’s actions.

(Similar cases include all of Zeus’ children sired with other gods and mortals). 

Whole Group Discussion: 

Does the possibility that Jocasta’s knowledge of Laius’ history make any statement about her character?

About the plight of women? Responsibility of the women? 

Shannon brings up an interesting point about the scars on Oedipus’ feet from his childhood. 

After being married for such a long period of time, how did Jocasta not notice the scars and 

relate them to Laius’ impaling their child’s feet? 

We discussed the Oedipus Complex and how it theorized. Rossi and Billy said that since our first 

role-models, we often look for qualities similar to our parents in our insignificant others. 

Walk-Out & Student Reflection 

There is a great possibility that Jocasta knew that Oedipus was her son, but

she withheld from telling him due to circumstance. It was important to maintain

the idea of Jocasta’s mindset throughout today’s lesson in order to get an

in-depth analysis of her actions. Today’s readings also helped me understand why Jocasta

chose to keep the secret hidden from Oedipus. From today I learned not to travel

on the ‘crossroads’ of Tysens and Hylan Boulevard, lest I be killed by someone

named Swollen Foot. All jokes aside, today’s lesson further enforced my belief that

truth should not be withheld from those you love as it would be a burden to you

and would only bring further harm to come. 

Happy Thanksgiving!