M. Foucault: Power, perspective and truth in Oedipus Rex by Sophocles

Abstract

The paper is intended as an assessment of Foucault’s reading of Oedipus Rex. Foucault basically focuses on the relationship between knowledge and power. His interpretation provides us with a symbolic conception of truth, the unveiling of which would follow the guidelines of what Foucault labels “the law of halves”. Both the manner and the times, in which the different fragments of truth appear, will be the centre of gravity of his essentially political interpretation. It is proposed, however, to take a step further from such an inviting view, in order to reflect on the different voices and perspectives of the text, and delve into the poet’s voice and its possible philosophical meaning, beyond the mere political scope of the work, not only for the citizens of Sophocles’ time, but for all of us.