In the play Oedipus Rex, from the beginning of Oedipus's rule in Thebes through the end where i he exiles himself, how does the relationship with the gods with the people in Thebes change, beginning, middle and end.

Suggestion:

1. Go through the first 1/3rd of the play and make notes about every instance in which a god or goddess is mentioned. In addition, be sure you note how that god/goddess is affecting the humans at that point in the story.

2. Do the same thing toward the end of the story, probably about the last 1/4th of the play.

3. The "middle" in your assignment undoubtedly is there to get you to determine why you think any changes happened.

Let us know what you come up with.

http://www.sparknotes.com/drama/oedipus

To understand how the relationship between the gods and the people in Thebes changes throughout the play Oedipus Rex, we need to analyze the key events and character developments. Here's a breakdown of the changes in the relationship:

Beginning:
- At the beginning of the play, Thebes is afflicted by a devastating plague, and Oedipus, the newly-appointed King of Thebes, vows to find and punish the person responsible for the city's suffering.
- The people of Thebes turn to Oedipus as their savior and believe that he has a close connection with the gods. They address him with reverence and appeal to him for help.
- Oedipus consults the Oracle of Apollo in an attempt to uncover the truth behind the plague, showing the people's reliance on divine intervention.

Middle:
- Oedipus discovers that he is the cause of the plague and has unknowingly fulfilled the prophecy of killing his father and marrying his mother.
- As Oedipus uncovers his fate, it becomes clear that the gods have predetermined his tragic journey. The chorus reflects on the power of divine forces and the inevitability of destiny.
- Oedipus, in his frustration, blames the gods for his fate, particularly Apollo. He accuses the gods of orchestrating his downfall, feeling betrayed by their higher power.
- The people of Thebes become disillusioned with Oedipus. The Oracle's prophecy proves to be true, undermining their faith in both Oedipus and the gods, as they had believed in Oedipus's divine guidance.

End:
- Oedipus realizes the consequences of his actions and blinds himself as a form of punishment and atonement.
- At this stage, Oedipus goes through a transformation from a proud and ambitious king to a humbled and broken man. He accepts his divine punishment and acknowledges the gods' influence on his life.
- The people of Thebes, witnessing Oedipus's downfall, are also humbled and recognize the power of the gods in determining human fate.
- Oedipus, now understanding the limitations of mortal life and the authority of the gods, decides to exile himself from Thebes. He asks for divine intervention to decide his fate, showing his restored faith in the gods.

Overall, the relationship between the gods and the people in Thebes shifts from an initial belief in divine guidance and intervention to a sense of betrayal and disillusionment, and finally to a recognition of the gods' power and submission to their will.