Oedipus Rex by Sophocles

Recall how Oedipus came to kill his father and marry his mother, and then discover his true identity. Do you feel Oedipus deserves the punishment that he receives at the conclusion of the play? Why does Oedipus accept his guilt and punishment without question or protest?

           

Who me?, yes you!, couldn't be!, then who????

As a part of our everyday society, people are accused of crimes that they would never commit, but still suffer the consequences of someone else’s actions

Oedipus has committed a crime that was unknown to him. Being born into a prophecy that he cannot control, Oedipus was told that he would kill his father and marry his own mother. Although Oedipus was given away to die, he was saved and managed to live.

Unknowingly Oedipus carried out the prophecy that was given to him by the prophet. Oedipus then became king of Thebes, husband of his mother and father of his siblings. Even though Oedipus committed this crime, he was unaware of who he killed, his fate was already destined to be, and he took the punishment that was given because of the curse, shame, and regret that he felt.

           

            Oedipus did not deserve the punishment that he received because, he was unaware of his actions, and he was feeling a great deal of remorse when he was informed.

Oedipus says to the chorus "Oh ohhh the agony, I am agony...Where is my voice?” In this quote Oedipus shows remorse, he portrays the feeling of regret  and sorrow. Oedipus is shocked of the news that he is hearing.

Oedipus says to the leader “More hated by the gods? I am the man.” Oedipus believes that gods and Apollo hate him and want to curse him. He cannot understand why he is being cursed by the gods and why is his city going through this depression.

Oedipus says to the leader “ The blackest things that a man can do, I have done them all!”

Oedipus feels more than pain when he finally sees the damage that he has done in his own home, Oedipus regrets the actions that he is now noticing.

           

            Oedipus did not bring this upon himself, he was born with a prophecy that stated his fate and destiny.

The shepherd says to Oedipus “She was afraid-frightening prophecies.” The shepherd is telling Oedipus about the prophecy that scared Jocasta into giving him away, the prophecy that began all this torture.

Oedipus says to the shepherd “I stand revealed at last- cursed in birth, cursed in marriage…” Oedipus comes to the conclusion that he was born cursed, and that his whole life has been nothing but pain and confusion.

Oedipus says to the chorus “If I’d died than, I’d never have dragged myself, my loved ones through such hell.” Oedipus regrets the day that he was saved by the shepherd, because he feels that if he wasn’t saved the city of Thebes and his family wouldn’t be going through the plague that they have been suffering from.

           

Oedipus cursed himself, his family, and the city of Thebes, he cannot bear the shame and guilt that he has brought upon this city

Oedipus says to the chorus “ the hand that struck my eyes was mine, mine alone” Oedipus, himself, gouge his own eyes out, causing himself pain. Oedipus felt that his eyes deceived him, that he looked upon the people that he caused pain agony and distress.

Oedipus turns to the chorus and says “ It’s mine alone, my destiny-I am Oedipus”

He acknowledges that he is the curse that is amongst Thebes, and that this is his fate. Oedipus knows that there is no other way to live but to follow the prophecy and the curse that he has brought amongst himself.

            In conclusion, Oedipus did not deserve the punishment that he received simply because, he was unaware of the things he committed. Oedipus was given a prophecy that told of his fate and his life trials, he had no way of knowing of this prophecy. His eyes were blind to what he has done to his family and the city of Thebes. Oedipus took the punishment because he felt full of shame and couldn’t look into the eyes of the ones that he hurt. Oedipus also received the punishment because he cursed the one who he thought murdered King Laius, which means he has cursed himself. Sophocles uses a lot of dramatic irony throughout this play, as well as  harmartia for Oedipus role as the main character. Sophocles also gives a lot of tragic irony that was caused because of Oedipus hybris.