The play Oedipus Rex, by Sophocles, is a story of patricide, which is when a son kills his own father. It is a very dark and emotional story, with Oedipus ultimatelyblinded by his own actions. The play begins with Oedipus learning from a prophecy that he is destined to kill his father and marry his mother. In an effort to avoid this fate, he leaves his home and family behind. However, unbeknownst to him, he eventually ends up fulfilling the prophecy. On his journey, he unknowingly kills his father, Laius, and ends up marrying his mother, Jocasta.
The play opens with Oedipus receiving a prophecy from the Oracle of Apollo that he will one day kill his father and marry his mother. At this point, Oedipus does not know that he has already killed his father, as he does not know his true identity. This prophecy terrifies Oedipus and he leaves his home in an attempt to avoid his fate. However, the prophecy ends up coming true. On his journey, Oedipus gets into a fight with a man, who turns out to be his father, Laius. In the course of the fight, Oedipus kills Laius. He then arrives in the city of Thebes, where he solves the riddle of the Sphinx and becomes the city's king. He marries the queen, Jocasta, who is unaware that she is actually Oedipus' mother.
The play is a tragedy, as it ends with Oedipus realizing his horrific actions. When he finally learns the truth, that he has killed his father and married his mother, he is so distraught that he gouges out his own eyes. The play is a cautionary tale about the dangers of fulfilling a prophecy. It shows that even if someone is trying to avoid their fate, they may end up fulfilling it anyway. Oedipus is a tragic figure who is destroyed by his own actions, despite his attempts to avoid them.
What happened to Oedipus' wife and children?
Oedipus' wife, Jocasta, committed suicide after she learned that her husband had killed her father and married her. Oedipus' children were dispersed after his downfall. Two of his sons, Eteocles and Polynices, engaged in a bloody battle for control of Thebes, which resulted in their mutual destruction. Oedipus' daughter, Antigone, was buried alive for her disobedience.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened to Oedipus mother and father?
Oedipus’s mother and father, who unwittingly killed each other, hanged themselves when they found out about the relationship.
How does Oedipus become king of Thebes?
After defeating the Sphinx who was tormenting the city, Oedipus becomes King of Thebes and marries Jocasta, the wife of the previous king, Laius.
Why does Oedipus have to kill the murderer of Laius?
The answer to this question is found in the Oracle's prophecy. Theorists believe that Oedipus was supposed to solve the mystery of who killed Laius and fix the wrong that had been done. Killing the murderer would end the suffering of the Thebans and ultimately protect Oedipus from being punished himself.
Why is Oedipus a tragic hero in Greek mythology?
Oedipus is a tragic hero because despite his best efforts, he ends up causing great harm to himself and those around him. Oedipus' story illustrates the dangers of making assumptions and foolishly following prophecy, as well as the inherent risk of fatefully crossing paths with someone who can destroy your life.
Why did Oedipus kill his father and marry his mother?
There was nothing anyone could do to avoid this fate. Oedipus was fated to kill his father and marry his mother, so he did what he had to do in order to survive.
