Here are two effective and well-crafted explications of Oedipus, written by your classmates. Think about both what they do well and what else they would need to be complete.
1- As Oedipus grows more paranoid and convinced of Creon's guilt, Creon decides to utilize logic in order to prove his innocence. As third in power, a fact Oedipus agrees upon, Creon has the money, power, and respect a king could ever want or need. However, he has no responsibilities, obligations, limitations, or fears. Creon logically shows Oedipus how he is "carefree" with all he meets, with people who "wish [him] well and greet [him] kindly." Almost incredulously, Creon asks Oedipus, "So why should I give up one life for the other?" He explains there would be no sense in being treasonous if he already has "the power and the influence without the trouble." By posing these questions, Creon is forcing Oedipus to acknowledge Creon's lack of motivation for treason or murder. Creon is meticulous as he makes his argument, and does so slowly so as not to provoke the increasingly paranoid Oedipus.
2- Jocasta is talking to Oedipus, explaining that Teiresias cannot be truthful in his claims because no person has the "art" of prophecy. She feels prophecy is an art form, giving it a majestic quality, seeing it as an inhumane action that is not guaranteed. The phrase "so much for oracles which map our future" exudes a slightly mocking tone to express her disbelief in prophesying. Her phrase "Listen, and learn from me" exudes a nurturing, motherly tone, possibly a foreshadowing of revelations to come. With words like "fear" and "haunted," Jocasta expresses the horrifying power of prophecies, an interesting choice of words for someone who claims they don't believe in them.
