Literary Analysis: Oedipus Rex and Dante's Divine Comedy

Literary Analysis: Key Themes in Classical Works

The Tragedy of Oedipus Rex: Plot Summary

This section locates the central dialogue and storyline of Sophocles' tragedy, Oedipus Rex. This fragment corresponds to the major dramatic elements of the work, including the episode and exodus. The theme of this text is of vital importance in understanding fate and free will.

The Prophecy and Fulfillment

The general abstract of the work is that an oracle warned Laius he would be killed by his own son. Determined to escape his fate, Laius tied the feet of his newborn son and left him to die on a lonely mountain. His son was rescued by a shepherd and given to the King of Corinth, who named him Oedipus.

Oedipus did not know he was adopted. When an oracle proclaimed that he would kill his father, he left Corinth. During his journey, he encountered and killed Laius, believing the king and his companions were a gang of thieves. Unexpectedly, the prophecy was fulfilled.

The Sphinx and the Consequences

When Oedipus correctly solved the riddle, the Sphinx killed herself. Believing King Laius had died at the hands of unknown assailants, and grateful for the traveler who delivered them from the monster, the Thebans rewarded him by making him their king and giving him Queen Jocasta as his wife. For many years, the couple lived happily, unaware they were truly mother and son.

When Oedipus discovered that he had unwittingly killed his father, Jocasta committed suicide. Oedipus, upon realizing the truth, blinded himself and left the throne. He lived in Thebes for several years but was finally banished.

Dante's Divine Comedy: Structure and Allegory

This section presents the argumentative line and dialogue structure found within Dante Alighieri's epic poem, The Divine Comedy. This fragment of the work is part of the structure where the punishment of souls is detailed.

The theme of the play is the journey of the soul toward God, and this text is vital for understanding the medieval moral framework.

Summary of the Work

The Divine Comedy is summarized by the author presenting the entire medieval cosmology through the soul of Dante. He is guided first by Virgil, who symbolizes human reason, and then by Beatrice, who represents faith. The poet describes the afterlife, creating a complex vision of Hell, Purgatory, and Paradise, detailing the circles where he converses with the shadows (souls).

The poet blends historical and mythological characters using symbolic elements. Dante, lost in the dark jungle of sin, is helped by Virgil. Virgil guides him during the nine circles of the Inferno and during the ascent of Mount Purgatory. Virgil leaves Dante at the top, where Beatrice takes charge, guiding Dante to the final mystical vision.

The Circles of Hell (Inferno)

The work is ranked by its structure into Cantos (songs). The circles of the Inferno punish specific sins:

• First Circle (Limbo): People who were not baptized.
• Second Circle: The lustful.
• Third Circle: The gluttonous, the arrogant, and the envious.
• Fourth Circle: The lavish (prodigal) and the greedy (heavy weights carried).
• Fifth Circle: The proud heretics and materialistic.