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Sophocles [496 B.C.E.-406 B.C.E.] seems to think that the will of the gods is mysterious to, and misapplied by, mortals. Mortals try to understand what the gods want and expect. But they often miss the mark.

For example, Theban King Oedipus learns of his fate to kill his father and marry his mother. He sees this as a warning to flee from Corinthian King Polybus and Corinthian Queen Merope, who in fact are his adoptive/foster parents. But he ends up killing his own biological father, Theban King Laius; and marrying his own biological mother, Theban Queen Merope.

Instead, he needs to keep his guard up and remain vigilant. For example, he needs to avoid violent situations with men old enough to be his father. Likewise, he needs to avoid romantic involvements with women old enough to be his mother. But Oedipus does neither. So the further he runs from his fate, the more he makes it happen.

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Q: What is Sophocles' philosophy on man's ability to understand the will of the gods?
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What does Jocasta believe about prophecy in 'Oedipus Rex'?

That not all prophecies come true and that prophets make mistakes are what Jocasta believes about prophecy in "Oedipus Rex" by Sophocles (495 B.C.E. - 405 B.C.E.).Specifically, Theban Queen Jocasta says that the gods are clear to understand when they have something to say. The problem is the intervening role of prophets between gods and mortals. Jocasta says that prophets are not gods and can make mistakes and that some prophecies therefore do not come true.


Does the chorus' view of the gods and life differ from Jocasta's in 'Oedipus Rex'?

Yes, the chorus' view of life and the gods differs from that of Jocasta in "Oedipus Rex" by Sophocles (495 B.C.E. - 405 B.C.E.).Specifically, the chorus of Theban elders does not question even when the members do not understand the will of the gods and the workings of fate in all human lives. In contrast, Theban Queen Jocasta fights against divine will and prophesied fates that she dislikes. For example, she makes arrangements to sabotage a prophecy that her son will grow up to kill her husband.


Why are the gods mentioned in the prologue to 'Oedipus Rex'?

That Thebes has a problem that can benefit from divine intervention in its solution is the reason why the gods are mentioned in the prologue to "Oedipus Rex" by Sophocles (495 B.C.E. - 405 B.C.E.).Specifically, a pestilence afflicts Thebes. It can be an indicator of human commissions that the gods find offensive. Or it can indicate the equally offensive omission of mandated human behavior in terms of the gods.


What are Antigone's criticism of the gods in 'Antigone'?

That she dies defending the all-powerfulgods is Antigone's criticism of the gods in "Antigone" by Sophocles (495 B.C.E. - 405 B.C.E.).Specifically, Theban Princess Antigone knows that the gods rule in life and death. She obeys divine will and respects Theban traditions. But she recognizes the irony of defending the gods, obeying divine law and yet seeing the gods do nothing when she is executed for her divine obedience and her royal disobedience.


What mistake does teiresias say Creon has made in you never ssng to your father?

Tiresias believes Creon has separated them from the gods due to Creon not burying the body of Polynecies. Antigone was written by Sophocles.

Related questions

What gods does the chorus call upon for help in sophocles?

Dionysus


Who was the author of ninety plays that envoked the gods to solve problems?

Sophocles.


How was Euripides's work different from that of sophocles and Aeschylus?

Sophocles and Aeschylus concentrated on stories about the gods and their actions, while Euripides wrote about more realistic matters.


How was Euripides and work different from that of Sophocles and Aeschylus?

Sophocles and Aeschylus concentrated on stories about the gods and their actions, while Euripides wrote about more realistic matters.


If Buddhism is only a philosophy why are there Hindu gods and demons in Buddhist Art?

There are Hindu gods and demons in Buddhist art because both the philosophy and the religion have very similar origins.


What are characteristics for gods?

Gods have the ability to change form whenever they want.


Are Gods toys human souls?

Of course not. To understand what a human soul is, you must understand what a human soul is. Humans have 3 entities: body, soul and spirit. We are Gods creation, He gave us free will, there for we have the ability to choose what we want to do. We have the choice to worship or follow whatever we desire. God did not create toys or robots.


What major theme does Sophocles introduce in the opening scene of the play Antigone?

Do we owe owe greatest allegiance to the gods or to the state.


What has the author Empedocles written?

Empedocles. has written: 'Empedocles, the extant fragments' -- subject(s): Philosophy of nature, Early works to 1800 'I frammenti' -- subject(s): Gods, Greek, Greek Gods, Philosophy of nature 'The poem of Empedocles' -- subject(s): Early works to 1800, Philosophy of nature, Cosmology 'Les purifications' -- subject(s): Ancient Philosophy, Philosophy, Ancient


Why do we study Egyptian gods?

We study Egyptian gods and the mythology behind them in order to understand their culture.


What philosophy is the opposite of stoicism?

Stoicism is, at its heart, unconditional trust in the gods and the perfect harmony of nature, so the opposite would be Epicureanism. Epicureans believed that the gods didn't concern themselves with human life and had no influence in the physical world.


What does Jocasta believe about prophecy in 'Oedipus Rex'?

That not all prophecies come true and that prophets make mistakes are what Jocasta believes about prophecy in "Oedipus Rex" by Sophocles (495 B.C.E. - 405 B.C.E.).Specifically, Theban Queen Jocasta says that the gods are clear to understand when they have something to say. The problem is the intervening role of prophets between gods and mortals. Jocasta says that prophets are not gods and can make mistakes and that some prophecies therefore do not come true.