Oedipus The King

The Challenging Life of Oedipus the King

The Greek tragedy Oedipus, written by Sophocles, is one of the most acclaimed plays of all time. It intrigues the reader because it reveals itself so quickly and in such a way that people today can relate. It deals with many controversial topics such as, death and deceit. In the beginning of the play, Oedipus makes a speech to the citizens of Thebes. He announces his victory over the Sphinx. Oedipus' prideful words play a significant role in the outcome of the play. These words affect the play by aiding Oedipus in building his character and power. He also, hides a dark side of him that he does not acknowledge at this point, but will come back to haunt him. Lastly, Oedipus pities the people of Thebes, which in turn, will pity Oedipus later in the play.

In the beginning parts of Oedipus' speech he builds his character and strengthens his level of power. Oedipus speaks to the citizens about his ability to solve the riddle. He not only wants them to acknowledge his achievement, but to also know of his greatness. Oedipus does so by saying, "Oedipus, known far and wide by name" (1). Oedipus' pride increases more and more in every scene. This happens because the people think he epitomizes a perfect man and leader. The Priest tells him so when he says, "Great Oedipus, my country's governor..." (1). Oedipus feels as though he could do no wrong and everything resides in his favor. For that thought alone the citizens could not find a better man to "...be the state's builder!" (2). Oedipus succeeds in structuring his powerful reign in Thebes. The people trust him because he seems to enclose all the answers they hold to upholding a better city. All of this seems perfect now, but his life continues to build up only to fall very shortly. Oedipus continues to shine in great glory and direct his country. He proclaims, in front of the whole city, how he will not stop until Laius' killer lives no more. He tells Creon, "Well, I will have it all to light again" (5). He possesses determination and loyalty which, aids in his worthiness and keeps the people praising him.

While talking to the people of Thebes, Oedipus somehow forgets to recognize a little detail that could change the way the people feel about him. When coming to this city, Oedipus kills a man in a bit of road rage but never seems to think about it again. Although, when Oedipus finds out that someone murdered the previous king, he goes on a vengeance to find this person. He holds no thought to the man he just ran over on the street. Creon asks Oedipus if he saw this man Laius, and he responds, "I never saw the man" (4). Afterwards, Oedipus announces to the townspeople, "Whichever of you knows the man.../... I bid that man shew the whole truth to me.../...For I will pay him the reward..." (9). Oedipus feels in control of his country and his people, but really he acquires no control at all. This shows significance in the outcome of the play for the reason that Oedipus never starts to doubt himself until the truth strikes him all at once. Tiresias, the foreseer sent by Apollo, tries to tell Oedipus that Laius' murderer is "He whom you seek" (14). However, Oedipus just tells Tiresias that anything he says "...will be said in vain" (14). Not realizing his previous actions, shows a characteristic of blindness, which many of the characters contain.