Polis: Role Of Men And Women

Question 1

How does Oedipus treat the shepherd and why is this significant ?

Answer 1

• In the 4th episode he tortures the the shepherd who is described as a ‘slave’
• the only time physical violence is employed by Oedipus and throughout the play onto anyone where it has not been self inflicted
• Oedipus commands for men to ‘twist his arms back’
• his treatment is deplorable for the man who intended the best for him by withholding the identity of who gave him the child
• sums up the violent and cruel personality of Oedipus