Oedipus Rex by Sophocles vs. Fences by Wilson

Table of Contents

Introduction
Brief Overview
Betrayal and Trust
Family and Relationships
Pride and Prejudice
Conclusion
Works Cited

Introduction

It is important to note that the key themes of betrayal and trust, family and relationships, as well as pride and prejudice, emerge in many works of literature. The given analysis will focus on Oedipus Rex and Fences, which do not seem to be linked in any way. However, a deeper critical assessment of their core topics reveals a rather close connection between the works. Thus, both Oedipus Rex and Fences extensively explore the themes of betrayal, family relations, and pride.

Brief Overview

In order to properly spot the similarities and overlapping themes in Oedipus Rex and Fences, it is useful to briefly revisit the plot summaries of these two plays. In the case of Oedipus Rex, Oedipus, King of Thebes, is provided with a prophecy that he would kill his father, sleep with his mother, and be both father and brother to his own children (Sophocles 8). The king extensively investigates his life and makes attempts to avoid the prophecy, but by the end of the story, it becomes the truth. His wife, Jocasta, happens to be his mother and wife, and he occurs to be his fathers murderer. When it comes to Fences, Troy is Roses husband and Corys father. He cheats on his wife and undermines his sons efforts to become a football player. By the end of the play, both his son and wife leave him as a result.

Betrayal and Trust

The theme of betrayal is evident in both Oedipus Rex and Fences. In Oedipus Rex, Laius betrays his son by attempting to kill him to avoid the prophecy. Although it was not done knowingly, it is clear that the prophecy Laius received about him being murdered by his son was true. The play states: An oracle was reported to Laius once that his doom would be death at the hands of his own son his son, born of his flesh and of mine (Sophocles 12). In order to avoid such a fate, Laius pierced the babys ankles and left him to die on a lonely mountain (Sophocles 12). In other words, Laius distrust his own son, for which he attempts to kill a three-day-old newborn, whereas the prophecy of betrayal of king Laius becomes a reality.

In Fences, Troy betrays his wife by having an affair with another woman, as well as telling Corys coach that his son is no longer able to play football. Cory says: Papa done went up to the school and told Coach Zellman. I cant play football no more. Wouldnt even let me play the game. Told him to tell the recruiter not to come (Wilson 79). This was an act of betrayal by Troy to undermine his sons aspirations and efforts to become a football player. It becomes evident that the father does not trust his son or wife, which is why he decides to go to the coach directly and lies about Cory not being able to play.

Therefore, by extensively looking for the themes of betrayal and trust, both Troy and Laius were mistrustful fathers to their sons. The desire to control what their children can and cannot do pushes them to openly and directly betray their sons best interests. Laius goes to the most extreme solution of infanticide out of fear for his own life and distrust for his newborn child. Similarly, Troy goes to the lengths to conspire against his own family by speaking with the coach.

Family and Relationships

The theme of family is additionally evident in both Oedipus Rex and Fences. In Oedipus Rex, Oedipus is unaware that his wife is his mother and that his children are his siblings. The story is heavily focused on family relationships, where the prophecy predicts that Oedipus will sleep with his own mother and be a brother to his own children. For the latter, it is stated: to the children with whom he lives now he will be brother and father the very same (Sophocles 8). In the case of the parents, the story states: to her who bore him, son and husband the very same. Who came to his fathers bed, wet with his fathers blood (Sophocles 8).

The prophecy by Tiresias becomes a reality after Oedipus learns that his wife, Jocasta, is, in fact, his mother, while the man he killed long ago was his father, Laius. The play gives significant attention to family ties and takes the relationship problems to the extreme of incest, infanticide, and regicide.

In Fences, Troys family is torn apart by his infidelity toward his wife, Rose. The situation within the play is less intense compared to Oedipus Rex, but the betrayal takes place between the husband and wife as well. Rose says: Were not talking about baseball! Were talking about you going off to lay in bed with another woman& and then bring it home to me (Wilson 96). She continues: Dont you think I ever wanted other things? Dont you think I had dreams and hopes? What about my life? (Wilson 96). This is the moment when Rose expresses the severity of the pain Troy induced in her through his affairs with Alberta.

In the following scene, a heat exchange takes place between Troy and Cory. The father states: All right. Thats strike two. You stay away from around me, boy. Dont you strike out. You living with a full count. DONT YOU STRIKE OUT! (Wilson 99). In other words, the mutual hate between Cory and Troy reaches the tipping point of a physical conflict, which leads to the sons abandonment of his fathers home. Both stories provide in-depth analysis and illustration of problematic relationships between different family members.

Pride and Prejudice

The theme of pride is evident in both Oedipus Rex and Fences. In Oedipus Rex, Oedipus is too prideful to believe that he could be responsible for the death of his father and the incestuous marriage to his mother. He states: if this account of the murder tallies with yours, then I am cleared (Sophocles 14). In Fences, Troy is too proud to admit that he is wrong and that he needs help. He states: What you Troying me for. Yeah, I did it. And the boy know why I did it (Wilson 79). In both cases, the main characters are blinded by their pride in recognizing their own wrongdoings, which leads to prejudiced perspectives.

Conclusion

In conclusion, both Oedipus Rex and Fences extensively explore the themes of betrayal and trust, family and relationships, as well as pride and prejudice. There are many parallels when it comes to distrust of father figures toward their sons. Laius was afraid of prophecy, which is why he tried to commit infanticide on Oedipus, whereas Troy showed his distrust towards Cory by lying to the coach. Both stories heavily focus on problematic familial relationships exemplified by incest and infidelity. Lastly, Troy and Oedipus are blinded by their pride to recognize their own prejudices.