Ascend - The Great Books Podcast

Episode: Cursed by the Gods: Oedipus at Colonus Part One
Release Date: June 3, 2025
Hosts: Deacon Harrison Garlick and Eli Stone
Guest: Eli Stone

Introduction

In the premiere episode of "Cursed by the Gods: Oedipus at Colonus Part One", Deacon Harrison Garlick and returning guest Eli Stone delve into Sophocles' profound tragedy, "Oedipus at Colonus". The hosts set the stage by highlighting the play's exploration of Oedipus's transformation from a blind exile to a symbol of both suffering and blessing, juxtaposed against themes of Providence, justice, and Athenian identity, especially pertinent in the aftermath of the Peloponnesian War.

Exploring the Themes

Transformation and Suffering Deacon Harrison Garlick (00:00) expresses his admiration for "Oedipus at Colonus", emphasizing Sophocles' brilliance in portraying how suffering can ultimately become a blessing for others. He remarks, "The way he ends the story of Oedipus is so beautiful that I'm not entirely sure you could even call it a tragedy."

Providence and Justice Eli Stone (02:37) and Garlick discuss the interplay between human agency and divine will. Stone notes, "Human actions mixed with divine ordinance mingling together into what is often a very painful and laborious process of suffering," highlighting Sophocles' exploration of fate versus free will. Garlick adds, "Sophocles is really exploring that human actions mixed with divine ordinance."

Athenian Identity Post-War The hosts contextualize the play within the historical backdrop of Athens' defeat in the Peloponnesian War. Garlick (11:38) explains, "Athens is in the middle of the Peloponnesian War... this is the context... for Athenians who might have been watching this play."

Character Dynamics and Development

Oedipus: From King to Prophet Oedipus undergoes a significant transformation. Initially portrayed as a renowned king, his journey into blindness and exile marks his evolution into a prophetic figure. Garlick (15:15) states, "Oedipus ends up being this sign of both suffering and blessing, which is incredibly unique." He further reflects on Oedipus's lack of restoration unlike figures such as Job or Odysseus, emphasizing the unique nature of his suffering.

Creon: The Sophist Creon emerges as a central antagonist in this play. Garlick (111:57) and Stone characterize him as a sophist, adept at rhetoric but disconnected from true wisdom. "He just pivots arguments... he's viewing things through the political... he doesn't understand the divine," Garlick explains about Creon's motivations and actions.

Ismene and Antigone: Contrasting Roles Ismene is portrayed as proactive and pious, contrasting with Antigone's more passive demeanor. Garlick appreciates Ismene's active role, noting, "She's doing something relatively correct," highlighting her willingness to act on her father's behalf.

Theseus: The Embodiment of Athenian Virtue Theseus enters as a heroic figure, symbolizing wisdom and rightful political order. Garlick (96:42) describes him as "an icon of wisdom or of right political rule," serving as a foil to Creon and representing the idealized virtues of the polis.

Historical and Mythological Context

Sophocles and His Audience Sophocles wrote "Oedipus at Colonus" amidst significant turmoil in Athens, including the Peloponnesian War and the rule of the Thirty Tyrants. This context deeply influences the play's themes, as Garlick (18:10) emphasizes the relevance of these events to the Athenian audience.

Integration with Theban Plays The hosts discuss the chronological and thematic continuity within the Theban plays. Garlick (11:38) explains the importance of reading the plays in the order Sophocles wrote them to trace the maturation of his thought and better understand the underlying intentions.

Mythological Parallels The transformation of the Furies into the Eumenides in Aeschylus' works is echoed in "Oedipus at Colonus". Garlick (29:20) draws parallels, noting how the Eumenides now represent a more procedural justice system, aligning with Athens' legal frameworks.

Key Discussions and Insights

Guest Friendship and Hospitality A significant portion of the episode (52:34 – 65:33) is dedicated to analyzing the concept of guest friendship (xenia) in the play. Garlick and Stone explore how Oedipus, as a guest, navigates the expectations of hospitality while grappling with his cursed existence. They highlight the reciprocal nature of guest friendship and how it ties into broader themes of justice and cultural integration.

Prophecy and Progressive Revelation The discussion (36:30 – 63:23) delves into the role of prophecy in the play. Garlick and Stone debate whether the prophecies are fully revealed upfront or unfold progressively, impacting Oedipus's actions and the unfolding tragedy. They reference Simone Weil's interpretation, emphasizing the pedagogical value of suffering and acceptance.

Character Arcs and Foils The interaction between Oedipus and Creon serves as a pivotal narrative device, illustrating contrasting responses to suffering and authority. Oedipus embodies acceptance and prophetic wisdom, while Creon represents political manipulation and sophistry.

Notable Quotes

• Deacon Harrison Garlick (00:00): "The way he ends the story of Oedipus is so beautiful that I'm not entirely sure you could even call it a tragedy."

• Eli Stone (52:34): "Guest friendship being one of them... of being received as a citizen with full rights."

• Deacon Harrison Garlick (60:41): "He has been transformed into something like Tiresias, somewhat ironically."

• Deacon Harrison Garlick (108:43): "Athens is in the middle of the Peloponnesian War... this is the context... for Athenians who might have been watching this play."

• Eli Stone (117:59): "Oedipus is the man who has suffered the worst fate... his curse is not like anything."

Conclusions

The episode offers a deep dive into "Oedipus at Colonus", highlighting its rich thematic layers and character complexities. Garlick and Stone adeptly connect the play's exploration of suffering, justice, and divine providence to both historical contexts and broader philosophical questions. Their analysis underscores Sophocles' masterful intertwining of personal tragedy with communal and cosmic order, inviting listeners to engage in the enduring "great conversation" among the great books that have shaped Western civilization.

Additional Resources

Listeners are encouraged to visit thegreatbookspodcast.com for a free "115 Question & Answer Guide to the Iliad" by Deacon Harrison Garlick, alongside weekly conversations and articles to further deepen their understanding of the Great Books.