Iokaste advises Oidipous that in urging him to abort his investigation she is being “particularly mindful” or “thinking particularly well” (φρονοῦσά γ᾽ εὖ). In emphasizing the quality of her thought processes, however, she reminds the audience that only a short while ago Oidipous applauded her dismissal of oracles in similar terms; καλῶς νομίζεις (“You reason well,” 859). Now that she understands their relationship, has her reasoning improved? Is it better than his? An audience cautioned not to trust her judgment will recognize that she is still unaware of a more important fact: the gods require Oidipous’s complete discovery of his involvement in parricide, incest, and regicide. Nor has her newly acquired knowledge changed her belief in her own capacity to control the situation, for her insistence upon absolute self-determination is very similar to the one just discovered in Oidipous. Her advice is consequently not really, as she sincerely hopes, “for your best.” It would be best to recognize the gods’ superior vision and power and to take advantage of these through consultation at Delphi. [Mpea] [Mpei] [Ap] [Mi]