The Effect of Setting

This play was written over 2000 years ago so it has a very different cultural setting than any of the other works we have read.

The political setting is very different than our modern political setting. In the beginning of the play, Oedipus is addressing the concerns of the citizens . This reflects the political system of the time: kings were in power who were expected to listen to the needs of the citizens and be benevolent. Although the city of Athens did experiment with a more democratic system, overall the mediterranian area was still ruled by autocratic leaders, and this is shown in Oedipus.

The cultural setting is shown as well. One example is the religious beliefs. In the time period when this play was produced, most people in Greece believed in a variety of gods and goddesses who intervened in human affairs, each of them with their own "jurisdiction"; for example Hades was in charge of the underworld. In Oedipus Rex, the Oedipus informs the citizens that he has sent out Creon to speak to the oracle of Delphi to bring word from the gods. This reflects the culture of ancient Greece: Gods and Goddesses could be asked for help, an oracle would be able to talk to the Gods and Goddesses, and they would help those who asked.

Overall this different setting creates the feeling that the book is very old, which it is. It also gives it the feeling of being slightly exotic, because it is so different from the modern and almost modern works which we have been reading