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Gertrude & Lokaste


Phokis, it is called: at a place where the Theban way divides into the roads toward Delphi and Daulia." ("Oedipus", Pg. 215, Lines 205, 208-209) Before Oedipus had become king of Thebes, he had murdered a man, who turned out to be his father, in the fork of a road that leads to 3 different cities. Oedipus had accidentally proved the first half of the prophecy to be true, and would complete the second half by attaining Laios" position- wife and all. Joseph P. Wilson is quoted, "Iokaste's suicide is a probable indication that that she was unaware of her incestuous relationship". ("The Hero And The City", Pg. 218) If Iokaste had known of her husband/son relationship, the shock would not have been enough to draw her to suicide. .
             Both women proved to be incestuous as Iokaste wed her son and Gertrude wed her brother-in-law. The ghost in "Hamlet" says, "Ay, that incestuous and adulterate beast. ("Hamlet", Page 258, Line 42) Although Gertrude may not have had relations with a biological relative, such as Iokaste, marrying ones husbands brother was considered incestuous during the days of Greek mythology. Iokastes incestuous ways are depicted when Oedipus says "Ah, the net of incest, mingling fathers, brothers, sons, with brides, wives, mothers: the last evil that can be known by men: no tongue can say how evil!" ("Oedipus Rex", Pg. 234, Lines 179-182) This quote shows Oedipus in agony after he's realized that he has fallen victim to the Oedipal Complex. It is quoted, "Iokaste bared children of her children" ("The Hero And The City, Pg. 34) This quote demonstrates Iokaste's incestuous ways by adding emphasis on her children's father and brother.
             Although many situations are blatantly obvious to the reader, Gertrude seems to be in complete oblivion. She, however, has nothing to do with the murder of her husband and can be considered a victim herself. Gertrude's innocence is depicted in many scenes.


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