Oedipus the Rex

 Oedipus the Rex

      Oedipus Rex, also known by its Greek title, Oedipus Tyrannus or Oedipus the King, is an Athenian tragedy by Sophocles that was first performed around 429 BC. Originally, to the ancient Greeks, the title was simply Oedipus as it is referred to by Aristotle in the Poetics. It is thought to have been renamed Oedipus Tyrannus to distinguish it from Oedipus at Colonus. In antiquity, the term “tyrant” referred to a ruler, but it did not necessarily have a negative connotation.

     Oedipus the Rex is written by Sophocles and is one of the great play of all time. The influence of Sophocles in general and Oedipus Rex in particular is enormous, due to the exemplary status Aristotle granted the play as the greatest tragedy ever written. He gave it high praise for its outstanding fulfillment of the requirements he set out for tragedy, including reversal of situation, characterization, well-constructed plot, and rationality of action.  The plot receives commendation by Aristotle for its ability to stir the emotions of not only its audience members but, even more significantly, those who merely hear the story:"he who hears the tale told will thrill with horror and melt to pity at what takes place." In addition, Oedipus Rex succeeds in shaping the action in such a way that its ramifications are unknown until after the event itself occurs: "the deed of horror may be done, but done in ignorance, and the tie of kinship or friendship be discovered afterwards here, indeed, the incident is outside the drama proper." Lastly, Aristotle remarks that he prefers the role of the chorus in Sophocles to that of Euripides, and that the Oedipus Rex excludes from the play proper any irrational elements, such as Oedipus's ignorance of the mode of Laius's death.

 Characters

·         Oedipus Rex

·         Jocasta

·         Teiresias

 Themes

·         Oedipus Rex explores the tragic consequences of knowledge and ignorance: Oedipus seeks knowledge as a solution to the problems plaguing Thebes only to discover that it is his own incest and patricide that have led to the plague decimating the city’s population.

·         Oedipus Rex demonstrates the triumph of the gods' prophecy (fate) over individual will; while Oedipus might try to act against the prophecy of the gods, he is helpless in changing his fate.

·         Oedipus's desire for transparency of information comes into constant conflict with the determination of Jocasta, the priest, Creon, and Teiresias to hide the truth. Oedipus's search for truth and openness is admirable yet also tragic.