Resistance is Futile
When destiny and the afterlife are assumed to exist, is it worth trying to be a good person? The Eleusinian Mysteries and Oedipus the King both suggest that it isn't, yet they provide contrasting reasons why you shouldn't care. A central idea to the tragedy of Oedipus is that his renowned status could not protect him from his horrific fate. On the last page, the Chorus comments on how much he lost: "Him who knew the most famous riddles and was a man most/masterful;/not a citizen who did not look with envy on his/lot--/see him now and see the breakers of misfortune swallow him!" (1724-1726). Even though everyone considered Oedipus to be an extraordinary person, he was powerless to escape his prophecy. The lesson from Sophocles is that regardless of who you are or who you try to be, the outcome of your life will ultimately be the exactly as the universe determined it when you were born. This message carries the nihilist belief that nothing anyone does holds any significance.
The Eleusinian Mysteries, as Mara Lynn Keller illustrates them, are so accessible and forgiving that any person can be redeemed and absolved of their flaws. On day two, Keller states that the initiates experience "physical cleansing and spiritual purification" in the water and that "The sea can wash clean all the foulness of mankind" (32). Thus, this ritual does not discriminate among souls of varying levels of "cleanliness." Anyone initiated was also guaranteed "a good life after death" (38). Unlike the story of Oedipus Rex, there is hope for the future. However, this promise is still independent of one's actions throughout life. The Mysteries tell us that anyone can be saved, but Oedipus Rex tells us that no one can.
The Eleusinian Mysteries, as Mara Lynn Keller illustrates them, are so accessible and forgiving that any person can be redeemed and absolved of their flaws. On day two, Keller states that the initiates experience "physical cleansing and spiritual purification" in the water and that "The sea can wash clean all the foulness of mankind" (32). Thus, this ritual does not discriminate among souls of varying levels of "cleanliness." Anyone initiated was also guaranteed "a good life after death" (38). Unlike the story of Oedipus Rex, there is hope for the future. However, this promise is still independent of one's actions throughout life. The Mysteries tell us that anyone can be saved, but Oedipus Rex tells us that no one can.
I like your points, but I'm not sure if I agree. In Oedipus, there's definitely this theme that your life is predetermined, but I don't think that means that you don't have to be a good person through your journey. And with Keller's article, anyone can participate in the rituals, but it's more for people to appreciate life in a new perspective, not necessarily for the redemption of bad people.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you that Oedipus implies that your fate is predetermined and the Eleusinian Mysteries focus on the enlightenment and improvement of all. However, it is notable that Oedipus was the only one who's life was dictated by a prophecy. I feel that if a normal person (not a perfect king)is interpreting the play, the takeaway is that even those we look up to and wish we were might have way more problems than we think. Nobody is perfect, and we shouldn't be jealous of those who are "better" than we are.
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