have pronounced these curses on myself" (Madden 37). With this announcement,

Oedipus is aware that his pursuit for order has led to a life of chaos. The central thesis is

that the presumption of order establishes physical, intellectual, and spiritual chaos. The

text's reference to the sphinx, Oedipus, and Tiresias creates this notion. These three

literal signifiers are the metaphoric symbolizers of physical, intellectual, and spiritual

The concept of physical chaos is first introduced during the first speech of the

priest when reference is made to the "harsh singer" (Madden 37), the sphinx. In greek

mythology, the sphinx is recognised as a hybrid creature with a woman's head, a lion's

body, an eagle's wings, and a serpent's tail. In reality, "the virgin with the crooked

talons" (Madden 48), is a unique archetype for many things in one single being. The

sphinx is an epitome of destruction and chaos who establishes "the tax [they] had to pay

[her]" (Madden 17) because she devourers all who fail to answer her riddle. Her

horrors" (Madden 37) he intends to avoid, thus coming to the realization that "[he]

(Madden 27). Tiresias is blind due to natural causes, but when Oedipus tries to achieve

interprets the prophecies made to him literally. This course of action assists in the

struck them with his hand"(Madden 52). Oedipus answers the riddle of the sphinx "and

Some common words found in the essay are:
Oedipus Tiresias, Phoebus Oedipus, Laius Madden, Phoebus Madden, King Oedipus, Oedipus Acquiring, madden 37, spiritual chaos, chaos oedipus, intellectual spiritual chaos, , physical intellectual, physical chaos, intellectual spiritual, madden 26, physical intellectual spiritual, pronounced curses madden, pronounced curses, truth oedipus, madden 27, curses madden 37,
Approximate Word count = 795
Approximate Pages = 3 (250 words per page double spaced)