Ascend - The Great Books Podcast: Episode Summary

Episode Title: Know Thyself: A Discussion on Oedipus the King by Sophocles
Release Date: May 27, 2025
Hosts: Deacon Harrison Garlick and Adam Minihan
Guests: Eli Stone and Josiah Moser

Introduction

In this engaging episode of Ascend - The Great Books Podcast, hosts Deacon Harrison Garlick and Adam Minihan, together with guests Eli Stone and Josiah Moser, embark on an in-depth exploration of Sophocles' tragic masterpiece, Oedipus the King. The discussion weaves through the play’s intricate themes of fate, hubris, prophecy, self-knowledge, and cosmic order, providing listeners with both scholarly analysis and personal reflections.

Episode Overview

The episode kicks off with Harrison Garlick expressing his initial skepticism about Oedipus the King, admitting he didn't fully appreciate its technical aspects at first. However, his perspective shifted as he delved deeper into the play's rich themes of self-knowledge and identity. Eli Stone and Josiah Moser, with backgrounds in classical education and the Catholic intellectual tradition, contribute their insights, enriching the conversation with their expertise and personal journeys.

Deep Dive into Themes

Fate vs. Free Will

A central theme in the discussion is the tension between fate and human agency. The hosts and guests examine how Oedipus the King exemplifies the inevitable fulfillment of destiny, despite Oedipus’s determined efforts to avert his prophesied fate. As Deacon Garlick notes, “If you already know the ending, what are you appreciating in this play?” (13:33), highlighting the play’s focus on the journey rather than the outcome.

Prophecy and Apollo

The role of prophecy, embodied by the god Apollo, is another focal point. Apollo’s dual nature as the god of prophecy, light, and plague underscores the play’s exploration of divine intervention in human affairs. Eli Stone remarks, “Apollo is really a very complicated divine figure himself” (28:03), emphasizing the multifaceted divine influence that governs Oedipus’s destiny.

Self-Knowledge and Hubris

Self-knowledge, or the lack thereof, and hubris—excessive pride—are scrutinized as driving forces behind Oedipus’s tragic downfall. Josiah Moser observes, “There's often an inverse relationship between physical sight and intuition or mental sight” (32:19), tying into how Oedipus’s quest for truth ultimately blinds him to his own identity.

The Hero’s Journey and Character Flaws

Oedipus’s journey embodies the archetypal tragic hero whose flaws—primarily hubris—dictate his fate. Deacon Garlick highlights that Oedipus "must retain the savior role," implying that his self-perception as Thebes’s savior propels him toward his tragic end.

Character Analysis

Oedipus

Oedipus is portrayed as a brilliant and determined ruler whose relentless pursuit of truth leads to his tragic realization of self-identity. Harrison Garlick states, “He has to retain the savior role,” indicating that Oedipus’s self-imposed responsibility drives his actions, culminating in his catastrophic discovery.

Creon

Creon is analyzed as a pious and rational counterpart to Oedipus. Initially seeming loyal and reasonable, Creon later reveals complexities that hint at his own vulnerabilities. Deacon notes, “Creon might actually be at his worst in Oedipus at Colonus,” suggesting a nuanced portrayal across Sophocles’ works.

Jocasta

Jocasta embodies denial and desperation, struggling to dismiss the haunting prophecy. Garlick comments, “Jocasta here is not an empathetic character,” highlighting her role in exacerbating the tragic tension through her futile attempts to avert fate.

Tiresias

The blind prophet Tiresias serves as a crucial foil to Oedipus, representing the intersection of sight and knowledge. Moser explains, “There's often an inverse relationship between physical sight and intuition or mental sight,” illustrating how Tiresias’s blindness contrasts with Oedipus’s physical sight, symbolizing deeper truths.

Structural and Literary Devices

Irony and Foreshadowing

Sophocles masterfully employs dramatic irony, as the audience is aware of Oedipus’s fate long before he is. The repeated motifs of sight and blindness underscore the theme of knowledge versus ignorance. Garlick notes, “Oedipus is a very clever man,” suggesting that his intelligence ironically leads to his downfall as he uncovers truths he cannot handle.

Chorus Function

The Chorus in Oedipus the King acts as both a narrative device and a philosophical commentator, reflecting on the unfolding tragedy and reinforcing its themes. The final chorus laments Oedipus’s fall, stating, “No man happy till he dies, free of pain at last,” encapsulating the play’s somber conclusion.

Comparative Analysis

Greek Tragedies

The episode draws parallels between Oedipus the King and other Greek tragedies like Antigone and Aeschylus’s Oresteia. Themes of divine law versus human law and the destructive nature of power recur across these works, illustrating the enduring relevance of Sophocles’s narratives.

Modern Influence

Modern interpretations, such as Freud’s Oedipus complex, highlight the play’s lasting impact on psychological and cultural thought. The hosts discuss how Oedipus the King bridges ancient myth with contemporary analysis, showcasing its profound influence.

Personal Insights from Hosts and Guests

Harrison Garlick:
Shares his evolving appreciation for the play’s exploration of identity and self-knowledge, tying it to his own journey through theology and conversion.

Eli Stone:
Provides his perspective on prophecy and fate, emphasizing the limitations of human agency against divine will, informed by his classical education and recent acceptance into a master’s program in classical education.

Josiah Moser:
Discusses his background in classical education and conversion to Catholicism, exploring how Oedipus the King reflects the interplay between fate, prophecy, and character, and pondering Sophocles’ creative process in expanding the Oedipus myth.

Notable Quotes

• Deacon Harrison Garlick:
  “If you already know the ending, what are you appreciating in this play?” (13:33)

• Eli Stone:
  “Apollo is really a very complicated divine figure himself.” (28:03)

• Josiah Moser:
  “There's often an inverse relationship between physical sight and intuition or mental sight.” (32:19)

Conclusion

The episode concludes by affirming that Oedipus the King serves as a profound commentary on the limits of human agency and the inevitability of fate within a structured cosmic order. The hosts and guests reflect on how Oedipus’s tragic journey underscores the importance of self-knowledge and the peril of hubris, offering timeless lessons that resonate beyond the ancient text.

Teaser for Next Episode

Listeners are invited to join the next episode, where the discussion will shift to Oedipus at Colonus. This continuation promises to explore themes of redemption, providence, and the culmination of Oedipus’s tragic arc, deepening the understanding of Sophocles’s exploration of the human condition.

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