Someone once told me (but I have not been able to verify it because I do not know Greek) that Oedipus' name in Sophocles' Oedipus the King contains a pun. While the name, according to critics and editors, translates as "swollen foot," a slightly different pronunciation and spelling in the Greek language of Sophocles' time would translate as "I know." Again, I cannot confirm the validity of that pun, but I nevertheless enjoy believing that Sophocles' audiences would have recognized and appreciated that pun, especially since Oedipus' biggest problem and the cause of his tragic downfall is his unstoppable need to "know" the truth about whatever plagues Thebes.
Someone once told me (but I have not been able to verify it because I do not know Greek) that Oedipus' name in Sophocles' Oedipus the King contains a pun. While the name, according to critics and editors, translates as "swollen foot," a slightly different pronunciation and spelling in the Greek language of Sophocles' time would translate as "I know." Again, I cannot confirm the validity of that pun, but I nevertheless enjoy believing that Sophocles' audiences would have recognized and appreciated that pun, especially since Oedipus' biggest problem and the cause of his tragic downfall is his unstoppable need to "know" the truth about whatever plagues Thebes.
ReplyDeletePunditry with impunity? Absolutely. Bring on another Dasein, which is terrific.
ReplyDeleteOidio and Oidos: JP Vernant's book on Greek Tragedy gives the correct distinction
ReplyDelete