Criticism Of Oedipus Edward King - 1077 Words

Oedipus Edward King What is this strange impulse that makes one gravitate to a story so intimately terrifying one cannot look away? Like Oedipus the King’s contemporary Greek audience, one cringes at the infamous relationship and suffers along with the hero who fought to hinder an unspeakable destiny. The classic tragedy continues to beckon, entice as though it is a necessity to look upon the tragic fate of Oedipus and process his life. His prophecy never ages; it continues to allure in David Guterson’s Ed King only this time he is Edward King, a solver of internet riddles, affluent and influential, but driven to desire that which would cause any soul to descend into the darkest abyss in existence. Guterson’s style in this well†¦show more content†¦Once the backgrounds that propel the story forward are in place, Guterson develops their internal and external conflicts with more depth. After having depicted Diane as vulnerable in the arms of Walter or in the moments leading to her abandonment of their child, she undergoes a metamorphosis into a deceiving calculating blackmailer who bleeds Walter for money for many years under the pretense that she is raising their son alone. These dominating traits continue with her husband Jim Long of eleven years whom she deceives as being infertile, and Mike, a coke dealer whom she scams. Sadly, up to the very end when after learning the truth, she flees from Edward because â€Å"she felt the need for a backup plan and a bottom-line desperation retreat† (Guterson 252). As for the elements that combine to present Ed’s story, Guterson utilizes the same approach. His background development and particular attention to Edwards flaws: pride, rage, and manipulation spring into life and are covered over a period of many years. For example, in chapter three the novelist depicts Ed’s life from foundling to an affluent, remarkably intelligent, yet cocky and proud adolescent. As the novelist traces the foundling’sShow MoreRelated A Comparison of Tragedy in Hamlet, The Book of Job, and Oedipus Rex1246 Words   |  5 PagesInterpretations of Tragedy in Hamlet, The Book of Job, and Oedipus Rex    For ages, man has pondered upon the roots of destiny. Is the outcome of a mans life determined by human qualities and failings, the meddling of a divine power, or simple fate? Shakespeares Hamlet made the argument that tragedy is caused by human folly. The idea that divine intervention is at the root of human suffering is put forth in the Book of Job. 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