Heightened emotional intensity:
One of the most striking features of Bidart's language in Oedipus is its intense emotional charge. The play is filled with passionate outbursts, anguished cries, and heart-wrenching laments. This heightened emotional intensity reflects the extreme psychological turmoil experienced by the characters, particularly Oedipus himself. Bidart's language captures the raw and visceral nature of their emotions, drawing the reader into the depths of their suffering.
Figurative language:
Bidart's use of figurative language is another key element of his style in Oedipus. He employs a wide range of figurative devices, including metaphors, similes, and personifications, to create vivid and evocative imagery. These figurative devices add layers of meaning and depth to the text, allowing Bidart to explore complex themes and emotions in a nuanced and indirect manner.
Contemporary poetic techniques:
Bidart also incorporates various contemporary poetic techniques into his retelling of Oedipus. These techniques include free verse, fragmented syntax, and disruptive line breaks. By breaking away from traditional poetic forms and structures, Bidart challenges readers' expectations and creates a sense of urgency and immediacy that heightens the impact of the play's emotional intensity.
Overall, the language and style of Oedipus by Frank Bidart are characterized by their emotional intensity, their use of figurative language, and their incorporation of contemporary poetic techniques. Through these elements, Bidart creates a powerful and moving reimagining of the classic Greek tragedy, capturing the timeless themes of fate, suffering, and the search for truth.