Oedipus Rex as Social Commentary Oedipus Rex, written by the poet Sophocles in the golden age of Greek theatre, was described by Aristotle as the greatest tragedy of all time. It contains the very essence of the Greek cultural environment, and it is these ideologies that are translated into the work. The very essence of Greek society; political democracy, moral faith in the power of the Gods and social recognition of hierarchy are represented when society is depicted in a state of chaos. The ancient Greeks formulated what they believed was a true democracy. Everyone was to have a say on the political scene, every man had a vote and no one was to be disadvantaged. At the same time, however, the society was decidedly patriarchal. Power resided in the male; the leader, the logical and strong defender. Women, seen as emotionally erratic, illogical, and weak, were marginalized. Men were entrusted with the noblest tasks surrounding the glory of war; women found themselves having to try to start a family. This conflict is clearly represented in the text. In the opening scene everyone is equal. Servants, peasants, and royalty alike proclaim, “We are your supplicants.” Everyone has the same interest in the state of Thebes and the actions that Oedipus must take. Subsequently, however, the women of Thebes are represented in the characterization of Jocasta. This is where the chorus comes to the fore, the most important element of Greek tragedy. How the Theban elders represent the views of the wider society. Jocasta's actions characterize her as the stereotypical woman. By ordering the death of his son, blaspheming the gods, and finally killing himself, he shows the perceived essential frailty of the one... in the middle of the card... the message must speak to Oedipus through Jocasta. In the end, Oedipus shows his respect for the existence of this order by begging it to "tell me yourself!". A play represents society. By disrupting the social order it is possible to examine the fundamental foundations of the social group. In the case of Oedipus Rex, Sophocles portrays the basis of ancient Greek culture, the culture that existed in his time. He denounces a patriarchal society, which tries to come to terms with democracy while being at the mercy of the Gods. The social hierarchy is respected but forced to crumble, while the Gods govern it absolutely. All this is exposed through the underlying conventions, mainly the chorus, dramatic action, dialogue, characterization and methods of social construction. It forms an in-depth exposition of the group and its formation of beliefs and values.