Oedipus Rex

Page of other help sites.

Want to know what Brian thought about this play??

Author:

Sophocles

Published:

435 BC (yeah, a LONG time ago)

Setting:

Thebes, in front of the palace, ancient Greece, about 400 BC

Major Characters:

Oedipus: proud, clever, egotistical, hubris-fatal flaw of pride, "crooked ankles"
Creon: Oedipus's uncle and brother-in-law, just and fair
Jocaste: obnoxious, no respect for the gods
Tiersias: sightseer, blind, tells Oedipus of his situation

Minor Characters:

Shepard: took baby Oedipus to the 1st messenger
1st messenger: gave baby Oedipus to King Polybus
King Polybus: adopted father of Oedipus, dies
Queen Merope: adopted mother of Oedipus
Choragus: chorus

Themes:

It is impossible to escape fate.
The only sight is in blindness.
Do not mock the gods for they will get revenge.
Hubris is a fatal flaw and will bring about downfall.
All prophecies will eventually be fulfilled.

Symbols:

Sight vs. Blindness: Tiersias is blind but he can see; Oedipus has sight but cannot "see" until he blinds himself.
Light vs. Dark: When Oedipus's sight is dark, he can finally see.

Allusions:

Apollo: God of the Sun
Artemis: Goddess of Hunting, sister of Apollo
Underworld: ruled by Pluto

Ironies:

The prophecy said King Laius would be killed by his son. Oedipus does kill Laius, unknowingly, at 3-roads intersection.
Oedipus was told he would kill his father and marry his mother. He does and his children are his half-siblings. (disgusting, huh??)
Oedipus could not "see" until he blinds himself.

Point of View:

Play.

Ending:

Oedipus realizes his prophecy has come true and blinds himself so he will not be able to see his children/siblings. He is exiled.

Other Important Notes:

Oedipus had found out he will kill his father, so he left his home. he came to Thebes and helped the people rid the riddling sphinx. Since King Laius had dies, he became king and married Jocaste.

Brief Summary:

The people asked Oedipus if he can rid the plague. He sends Creon to an oracle who says they need to find King Laius's murderer. They find clues, like he was killed at a crossing of three roads. Piece by piece, they realize Oedipus was the murderer. He killed his father and married his mother. His children are also his half-siblings. When he discovers the truth, he pokes his eyes out.

Need more help?? Go here.

See what Brian said about this play.

Back to the AP English Home Page.
Back to Julia's Home Page.