- Published: September 24, 2022
- Updated: September 24, 2022
- University / College: University of Cambridge
- Level: Masters
- Language: English
- Downloads: 11
Question 2:
A scandal in Bohemia was a short story that was published by Arthur Conan Doyle in 1891. The story mainly revolves around Sherlock Holmes, Dr. Watson and the king of Bohemia. In this allegory, there are several instances of ironical statements at the end of the tale. For example, Holmes once said to Dr. Watson that it was a capital mistake to theorize before one has data. This statement was ironical because it was Holmes’ failure to adhere to this statement which later led to his downfall at the end of the story. In fact, this statement asserts that an individual should not make assumptions, but he / she must wait until they obtain proof to verify that the information is correct. In most instances, Holmes often drew conclusions regarding the life of Dr. Watson while basing on his outward appearance (Shaw 27). In addition, the conclusion of the story asserts that Holmes was beaten by a woman’s intelligence. This made him respect the feminine gender as a result of Irene Adler (Shaw 48).
In Oedipus the King, King Oedipus discovered that Thebes was cursed. Therefore, he sent his brother-in-law named Creon to get advice from Apollo (Sophocles 34). In the whole story, King Oedipus always referred to his blindness and past issues. In this play, Oedipus evidently remarked about the irony of sight. As presented in the play, it is clear that arrogance is his catastrophic defect. This is what secluded him from knowing the truth. This irony is extended to his increase in sensitivity and knowledge that enables him to see the faults of his hubris attitude and the penalty of his pride. Finally, the sight irony allows him to look at himself in the play (Sophocles 70).
Question 3:
As presented in the play, Oedipus was blinded by pride. In fact, the city of Thebes was dying, and Creon came from the god of Apollo to inform the people of the kingdom to stop the plaque (Sophocles 20). When the allegory points out that the city of Thebes is dying, then, it meant that Oedipus was also going to be affected by the collapsing of the city. In addition, Creon also tells them that if they were to stop the plaque, then, they had to locate Lauis’ killer. Lauis was the previous king of the kingdom. If they were not able to locate the king, the kingdom will be significantly affected by the plaque and all the individuals will die including the king. On the contrary, Oedipus the king took this task lightly since; he had previously solved the Sphinx riddle. He also thought that it was an easy task to locate the killer of the king (Sophocles 34).
At the end of the story, Oedipus reflects on the insight of murdering his father in order to get married to his mother. According to the story, this prophecy had come true. He then realizes that all the misdeeds were as a result of his failings and the nature of the gods. Oedipus also threatened to kill Creon or send him to exile since he conspired with the prophet. Oedipus also proclaimed his death, and he was supposed to pass his spot to his son during his death. Theseus was also ordered never to reveal the spot (Sophocles 62). Finally, the narrator claims that Oedipus died a mysterious death.
Works Cited
Shaw, Murray. On the Case with Holmes and Watson 1: Sherlock Holmes and a Scandal in Bohemia. NP, 2010. Print.
Sophocles. Oedipus the King. Canada: Richer Resources Publications, 2007. Print.