All of the characters with speaking parts in Oedipus at Colonus are mortals, but that doesn’t stop it from being chock full of the supernatural. From the Furies, the turf bosses of the grove where Oedipus goes to die, to Apollo, the god who predicted he would die there, to Zeus, who throws some earthquakes in to let Oedipus know it’s time to die, the Greek deities are up and at ‘em in this play. Their presence gives weight to mortals’ actions; it’s not just you and your family you’re dealing with when you act; your deeds also have divine consequences.
Questions About Supernatural
- Who is in charge of the sacred grove? Why do they have two,opposite names?
- What does Apollo promise Oedipus?
- How does Oedipus convince Theseus to protect him?
Chew on This
Try on an opinion or two, start a debate, or play the devil’s advocate.
The supernatural reflects human justice in Oedipus at Colonus.
The supernatural intervenes in human affairs in Oedipus at Colonus.