FREE ESSAY ON OEDIPUS REX

OEDIPUS REX

In the play Oedipus Rex, the author Sophocles, attempts to create feelings of sympathy
towards the main character, Oedipus. This is achieved by using dramatic irony, the
prophecy that guided Oedipus towards the truth regarding his childhood, and key scenes in
the play, which help to build the audiences understanding and opinions concerning his
situation. 
Through the prophecy alone, Oedipus was doomed even before his life had even begun. As an
innocent child, his parents, King Laios and Queen Iokaste, had tried to rid themselves of
the curse, which was cast upon them by Apollo, the god of the sun. For many years the
King and Queen, lived normal lives thinking that they had overcome the powerful prophecy.
Many years later, Oedipus, after hearing the same prophecy, fled from the two people,
which he believed to be his real parents. This was his attempt to try and save them from
his own fate. While Oedipus was trying to escape, he discovered the truth about his
identity, although his realization came too late. Oedipus would be forever shamed by the
entire city and live a life of darkness and guilt. We feel pity throughout these events
because these incidences were beyond his control. The gods had proven that they were
superior and extremely powerful beings. 
Many times throughout the play the audience was aware of certain situations that would
arise before the actors themselves were aware. This used of dramatic irony created
suspense and pity for Oedipus. One of the first examples of this is the proclamation that
was made by Oedipus himself. The audience knows that he will somehow be involved in the
discovery of the murdered when he says, "As for me, this curse applies no less" (Sc. 1,
l. 32). By doing this he will now suffer just as much as anyone else, even though he is
of higher authority. Another example of dramatic irony occurs when Teiresias, the blind
seer, makes his own prediction of what is to come of Oedipus "A blind man,/who has eyes
now; a penniless man, who is/ rich now;" (Sc.1,l236-237). This prophecy is also fulfilled
by the end of the play, causing more sympathy to be felt toward Oedipus. Another instance
where there is dramatic irony is when Iokaste is explaining why she believes that not all
prophecies are fulfilled. As she tells the story of the child left on the mountainside, a
bad memory crosses Oedipus's mind. He now began to realize that there were some large
similarities with the two stories told. These were the most prominent scenes where
dramatic irony occurred and a great deal of pity was felt.
In the play, there were also certain scenes that went deeper into Oedipus's character.
During these scenes feelings of sympathy and compassion arise. Towards the end of the
play, Oedipus had an extremely different perspective concerning his situation. At the
beginning he was trying to cast the blame upon others, such as Kreon, but as the play
progressed he discovered that there was no one else to blame, except himself. As a result
of the guilt, he gauged out his own eyes so he would never again have to look and the
misery and suffering he had caused. Also, as Oedipus bid farewell to his daughters, he
explained to them that they would be shunned for the rest of their lives and they will
never marry as a result of Oedipus's prophecy. Not only had it ruined his life, but it
had also ruined the life of his daughter and most surely affected his sons and the people
of the city as well. 
The pity that is felt throughout the play, Oedipus Rex, is clearly a feeling of pain at
undeserved misfortune. This was built up throughout the play by the use of dramatic
irony, the prophecy and power of the gods, as well as the way in which Oedipus could
relate to the audience through a few particular scenes.