Analysis of Sophocles Oedipus the King - 1110 Words

Oedipus the King (Order #A2063917) Sophocles Oedipus the King is a tragedy in which fate is the culprit in destroying the lives of several people. It tells the tragic story of Oedipus, a man who unknowingly murdered his own father and then married and fathered children with his own birthmother. But for a long period of time, Oedipus was ignorant of his true actions, until a plague descended on the city where Oedipus was king: Thebes. When Oedipus sent to the oracle at Delphi for aid in ending the terrible plague, the answer he received was that the murderer of the previous king of Thebes, Laius, must be found and punished. And since Oedipus had arrived in the city of Thebes only after the previous king was murdered, Oedipus was beyond suspicion and consequently the appointed person to carry out the divine command. (Ramphos, 39) In a speech to the citys populace, Oedipus informed them of the oracles message and made a personal plea for information leading to the capture of the murderer. Then he made his own prophecy as to what he would personally do to aid the capture of the cause of Thebes plague. In the following 20 lines, Oedipus then went on to prophesize about the discovery of his own past actions, his fate and what would ultimately turn out to be his own future. Oedipus began his statement with a curse: And on the murderer this curse I lay (On him and all the partners in his guilt). (285-86) Although he does not know the identity of the murderer or even ifShow MoreRelatedAnalysis Of Oedipus The King By Sophocles819 Words   |  4 PagesSophocles’ plays are among some of the best-written performances of the 5th century, and they have evolved into several modern theatrical productions and movies. 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