- Patriarchy: The society operates under a patriarchal system where men hold power and authority, and women are largely subordinate to men.
- Class Divisions: There are distinct social classes, with the nobility, priests, and wealthy citizens holding higher status, while slaves, peasants, and marginalized individuals rank lower.
Family Dynamics:
- Extended Families: Families tend to be extended, with multiple generations living together under one roof, including parents, children, and grandparents.
- Paternal Authority: Fathers hold significant authority within families, making important decisions and controlling the lives of their children.
Gender Roles:
- Women's Roles: Women are primarily confined to domestic roles, such as raising children and managing the household. They have limited participation in public life and political matters.
- Arranged Marriages: Marriages are often arranged by families, with little emphasis on personal choice or consent from the bride or groom.
Religious Practices:
- Polytheism: The society follows polytheistic religious beliefs, worshipping multiple gods and goddesses associated with various aspects of life.
- Oracles and Prophecies: Oracles, such as the Oracle at Delphi, play a significant role in guiding people's decisions and actions based on prophecies and divine revelations.
Political System:
- Monarchy: The city-state of Thebes, where the play is set, is governed by a king who holds supreme power.
- Council of Elders: The king is assisted by a council of elders who advise him on matters of governance.
Social Norms and Values:
- Hospitality: Offering hospitality to strangers and guests is considered a crucial social duty, and those who fail to do so may face social disapproval.
- Retribution and Justice: The society emphasizes the importance of justice and retribution, particularly in the context of crimes committed against individuals, families, or the state.
- Belief in Fate and Destiny: There's a strong sense of belief in fate and the inevitable unfolding of destiny as guided by divine forces, which influences the characters' actions and perceptions.