Jocasta:   Vile Enchantress  | Kirstin Holmgren

Written by Sophocles between 430 and 411, B.C., King Oedipus remains one of the most famous

tragedies in literary history.  Taught, performed, and critiqued throughout the centuries, the tragic

Oedipus even influenced the modern psychological theories of Sigmund Freud.   Modern critics such as

Michael O'Brian, G. M. Kirkwood, and Victor Ehrenberg fail to acknowledge the sexist ideology evident

in Oedipus Rex.  Analyzing the character of Jocasta, one will find, not only evidence of unjust gender

bias and the portrayal of women as weak, fickle, and intellectually shallow, but one will also find this

portrayal widely accepted in the academic world.

At first glance, it may appear strange to view Oedipus Rex from a female perspective, because

Jocasta, the only principal female character, has such a limited role in the play.  In fact, she does not

appear on stage until its middle.  As the tale unfolds, the audience watches, as Oedipus discovers the

truth of his prophecy.  Of course, the play will focus on the tragic outcome of Oedipus.  This is evident

from the tragedy's title.  Comparing Jocasta to Oedipus, I do not mean to assert that Jocasta deserves

equal attention either in the play or by the critics.  The problem, rather, is that the attention given to

Jocasta:  Vile Enchantress   Kristin Holmgren

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