Jesus Christ, Sophocles, and Alex Jones
A Symbolic interpretation and application of Sophocles’ Ophidus Rex
The following composition is an exact copy of a rather rudimentary and roughly constructed essay written for my high school classical literature class. Written in an hour on the night of its due date, I only publish it here because some of the themes discussed here add to my already public writing on modernism and claims of truth or value. The connections between my commentary and the text are particularly weak, but some of the statements made are important enough to make public. In my questionably relevant commentary, I interpret present right-wing conspiracy theory as a non-modernist phenomenon.
Ophidus Rex by Sophocles touches prominently on the theme of the discovery of truth. Ophidus, the play’s central character, has long ago unwittingly committed prophesied acts of violence and sexual perversion against his father and mother, respectively. Committed to ruling his kingdom justly and honorably, he continually seeks to uncover the truth about the death of the former king of Thebes — unknowingly his father — who was killed years ago.
After disregarding the wisdom of his advisors, namely Tiresias, the truth is revealed to Ophidus, who falls into agony and degradation in response, fulfilling his ignorantly committed vow to banish the assassin of King Laius.
Only after ‘enlightenment’, only after Ophidus pursues the truth, can he act in reasonable accordance and regard for that truth. Without knowing of his wrongfully but unwittingly committed deeds, the King would not be relegated to suffering and banishment, but he also would be unable to take any directed action at amending or expiating his faults. In order to address the circumstances before them, Ophidus had to clearly reveal, see, and know the truth.
The apparent theme and message of Ophidus Rex, that to know the full truth is a requisite for clearsighted and useful action, is reflected in the great religious tradition, stories, and useful historical narratives of our time. In Biblical tradition, Christ lays out this same principal, quite precisely, when he states, “Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free,” (John 8:32, NIV). In context, Jesus is claiming that only through hearing, understanding, and emulating his actions and beliefs can one be freed from shortcomings and sin. In order to act appropriately, Christ claims, one must first see clearly, understanding and accepting the reality of one’s circumstances. With honest assessment of one’s flaws and needs, only then can they walk towards expiation and redemption.
The statement that pursuit of truth is a necessary precondition for action, made by transcendental religious texts, are also reflected in the work of Sophocles. In addition to religious narrative and Greek tragic drama, this same theme is reflected in modern literature and history. Most significant to the present moment, however, is the pursuit of unadulterated truth in political events. The current American political moment, characterized by mistrust in governmental institutions and the formation of conspiratorial narrative (and it is in that order) are a natural consequence of a political system bent on a broad acceptance of ideals presented by Sophocles so long ago. Modern political thought, from that of Alex Jones to Rachel Maddox, is primarily concerned with the uncovering of the unfettered, untampered, unbiased objective transpiring of physical events. Many political commentators are fixated on disproving (and for some, proving) wild claims made by seemingly arbitrary and destructive conspiratorial commentators, such as Alex Jones.
This phenomenon illustrates the shortcoming of the theme presented in Oedipus Rex. Oedipus is depicted as honorably, as far as honor is retainable at all, pursuing the objective truth of transpired events. More significant and useful, however, would be an accompanying recognition of the context and meaning of those events. Similarly, rather than a dismissive attitude towards conspiracies adopted by many modern political pundits, the political conversation could better move forward through a recognition of the sometimes legitimate social and political concerns that find themselves reflected in the far-fetched narratives of conspiratorial minds.
Like Christ and Sophocles know, the truth can set you free; but, as unconventional and ostracized voices know, to aim for the truth alone can create flippancy where consideration is due, and the gouging of one’s eyes when clemency may be achievable.
