is a conflicted
character who appears doomed from the start. This doom begins in a prophecy; that is, that Laius
will die by his son's () hands and sleep with his mother, Jocasta.
As life
progresses, Laius is murdered and Oedipus and Jocasta wed, having four children: , Polyneices,
Eteocles, and Ismene. However, both are unaware of their blood relationship. Interestingly
enough, Jocasta plays a complicated role in this play, that of both spouse and mother. This role
foreshadows her fate upon discovery that Oedipus is actually her son, the child she thought dead
on the mountainside so that the terrible prediction would be avoided.
Oedipus
is determined to discover who killed Laius, and then the plot unravels, as he wants to uncover
an uncomfortable truth about his identity. Ultimately, Jocasta has no escape but suicide when
she discovers she has committed incest. Her despair concerning her actions is inconsolable.
Ultimately, she is a strong, sympathetic character.
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