2500+ years of enjoyment from Sophocles’, “Oedipus Rex”
...er to ask their king, whom they believe is blessed by the gods, to solve the problem: Why are the Gods killing the unborn children, sickening the herds, and destroying the crops? Before the gathering, Oedipus recognizes this plague and had already sent his brother-in-law, Creon, to the Oracle to ask Apollo (the God of Thebes) for insight. It is upon Creon’s return when he addresses Oedipus and the people that the irony begins: Creon: In plain words The god commands us to expel from the land of Thebes An old defilement that it seems we shelter. It is a deathly thing, beyond expiation. We must not let it feed upon us longer. This old defilement that brings the plague is Oedipus himself. Oedipus immediately adds to this: Oedipus: Murder of whom? Surely the god has named him? Creon: My lord: long ago Laios was our king, Before you came to govern us. Oedipus: I know; I learned of him from others; I never saw him. The paradox is Oedipus killed Laios, his father, and thus seen Laios before. Multiple times throughout the play Oedipus with his rash decision making, illogical approach and the search for truth creates similar irony. The audience grimaces when Oedipus lays down the punishment for this plague: I solemnly forbid the people of this country, Where power and throne are mine, ever to receive that man Or speak to him, no matter who he is, or let him Join in sacrifice, lustration, or in prayer. I decree that he be driven from every house, As for the criminal, I pray to God – Whether it be a lurking thief, or one of a number – I pray that that man’s life be consumed in evil and wretchedness Some ...