Language And Spectacle

Question 1

Why is the messenger speech so engaging in terms of perspective?

Answer 1

We expect that we will hear about Oedipus
- previously Oedipus has just found out who he is in a terrible realisation
- we expect for the messenger to relay that he has committed suicide

Shift in perspective

Question 2

Why is the messenger speech interesting in terms of description and violence?

Answer 2

More powering than seeing it on stage
- the final image of the way in which the blood springs out in a ‘black hail’ is incredibly graphic and vivid
- plays on perversion of nature- far from natural in blinding himself

Question 3

What is striking in the idea of shifting perspective ?

Answer 3

In the last scene we are looking at Oedipus and we aren’t seeing Jocasta
- puts Oedipus at the centre of the entire speech much like the tragedy

Question 4

What is the technique used when Oedipus and Tireseas share half a line each

Answer 4

Styckamethia