Oedipus Rex

OEDIPUS REX
Oedipus Rex is a Greek tragedy written by Sophocles around 429 BC. The play tells the story of Oedipus,
the king of Thebes, who unknowingly fulfills a prophecy that he would kill his father and marry his
mother. The play explores the themes of fate, free will, and the tragic consequences of ignorance and
pride.
The play begins with a plague that has struck the city of Thebes, and Oedipus seeks advice from the
Oracle at Delphi on how to end the plague. The oracle tells him that the plague is a result of the city's
failure to bring to justice the murderer of the previous king, Laius. Oedipus vows to find the murderer
and bring him to justice, not realizing that he himself is the murderer.
As Oedipus investigates the murder, he begins to uncover the truth about his own past and realizes that
he has fulfilled the prophecy. He blinds himself in horror and grief at his own actions, while his mother
Jocasta kills herself upon discovering that she has married her own son. The play ends with Oedipus
exiling himself from Thebes, accepting his fate and the consequences of his actions.
Oedipus Rex is considered one of the greatest works of Greek tragedy and has been studied and
performed for centuries. It explores complex themes of human nature, fate, and the limits of
knowledge, and its enduring popularity attests to its continued relevance and power.
OEDIPUS REX TRILOGY
While Oedipus Rex is perhaps the best-known play in Sophocles' Oedipus trilogy, there are actually two
other plays in the series: Oedipus at Colonus and Antigone.
Oedipus at Colonus is set many years after the events of Oedipus Rex, and tells the story of Oedipus'
final days. Oedipus is now a blind, old man who has been exiled from Thebes. He is seeking a place to
die, and eventually arrives in the town of Colonus. There, he is received by the king of Athens, Theseus,
who promises to protect him. Oedipus' daughters, Antigone and Ismene, also appear in the play, as does
Creon, Oedipus' former brother-in-law and the new king of Thebes. The play deals with themes of
justice, redemption, and the power of prophecy.
Antigone takes place after the death of Oedipus and focuses on the conflict between Antigone, Oedipus'
daughter, and Creon, the king of Thebes. Antigone is determined to bury her brother Polynices, who has
been declared a traitor and left unburied by Creon. Antigone's defiance of Creon's edict leads to a tragic
confrontation that ultimately results in the deaths of Antigone, Creon's son Haemon, and Creon's wife
Eurydice. The play deals with themes of duty, loyalty, and the conflict between divine law and human
law.
Together, the Oedipus trilogy explores themes of fate, free will, justice, and the limits of human
knowledge. While each play can stand alone, they are best understood as a unified whole, and together
they provide a powerful and nuanced exploration of some of the deepest questions of human existence.
ANALYSIS
Oedipus Rex is a complex play that explores themes of fate, free will, and the consequences of
ignorance and pride. Here are some key elements to consider in an analysis of the play:
The power of prophecy: The play centers around a prophecy that Oedipus will kill his father and
marry his mother. This prophecy ultimately comes true, despite Oedipus' attempts to avoid it.
The play raises questions about the role of fate and the limits of human agency. Is Oedipus a
victim of fate, or did his actions bring about his own downfall?
The nature of truth: Oedipus is a man obsessed with uncovering the truth about the murder of
the previous king. However, as he uncovers more information, he begins to realize that the
truth is not what he thought it was. The play raises questions about the nature of truth and the
limits of human knowledge. Can we ever truly know the truth about our own lives?
The dangers of pride: Oedipus is a proud and arrogant king who believes he can solve the riddle
of the Sphinx and rid the city of Thebes of the plague. However, his pride blinds him to the truth
about his own past and his own role in the tragedy that unfolds. The play warns of the dangers
of hubris and the importance of humility.
The role of the gods: The play is set in a world where the gods are omnipotent and
omnipresent. The prophecy that drives the plot is a product of divine will, and the gods are
seen as the ultimate arbiters of human fate. The play raises questions about the relationship
between humans and the gods, and the extent to which humans can influence their own
destiny.
The power of symbolism: The play is full of symbolic imagery and language, from the Sphinx to
the plague to the blinding of Oedipus. These symbols add depth and meaning to the play, and
can be analyzed to uncover deeper themes and ideas.
Overall, Oedipus Rex is a rich and complex play that rewards close analysis and interpretation.
Its exploration of some of the deepest questions of human existence has made it a timeless
classic of world literature.

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OEDIPUS REX

OEDIPUS REX TRILOGY

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