Sopochles Journal 3

The gods play a major role in the lives of the people and is a recurrent theme throughout the book. Different people speak to different gods, each for a different situation, while one god that most of the main characters turn to is Apollo. Laius and Jocasta turn to him for guidance and protection after they decide what to do with their son. Then Oedipus turns to him when he is trying to figure out who his real parents are. Many of the characters turn to this particular god for help. This connection between the people and the gods, particularly with the god Apollo, suggests that Apollo is a very well-known and sought after god. He must be very well trusted because so many people go to him in time of trouble. Sophocles uses themes as well as other literary terms such as metaphors and symbols. With the use of metaphors the audience/reader can better understand what is going on or how someone is feeling and be able to either visualize or feel it. The use of symbols, especially ones that come up again and again, keeps the audience/reader focused and once again better able to visualize things. Overall, the role of the gods in society is very important to the people. They rely on them to get them through any and everything. The gods give them hope in that there is a better plan or fate out there for them. The fact that they have to give offerings helps them feel like they have some control over their destiny because they feel like they can get on the "good side" of one of the gods and as long as they are faithful, that god will make them prosper.