Oedipus Rex

A detailed Summary of Oedipus Rex

Would Oedipus have been better off if he was blind to the knowledge of his birth

and the fate which was foretold to someday befall him? His life would have been a far

easier path had he never known about his true origins. Without the burden of this

knowledge life in Corinth would have been long and prosperous, and Thebes would have

lived on under King Laius. In fact, everyone would have been better in the end if Oedipus

had not ventured out beyond the walls of Corinth. If Oedipus would have accepted who

he was in Corinth and not gone in search of who he truly was, he would have been fine,

but he did. He found out his fate from the seer and ran away trying to change it. Oedipus

would find that he was not able to change his fate, likely due to personal flaw. As in most

all Greek works one can not change fate but attempts to at their own sorrow.

When in a bar in Corinth Oedipus encountered a drunkard tells Oedipus that he

isn't really the kings son. Sophicles once said "An unexamined life is not worth living." .

Meaning that without looking to see who you are you live unknowing of events to come.

Up to then Oedipus had led an unexamined life, one

their son killed because of his fate. "Jocaste: But this child had not been 3 days in this

world before the King had pierced the babies ankles and left him to die on a lonely

never to marry. By not marrying anyone he would have avoided the second half of his

that was in the dark unknowing as to

Oedipus to yield the road to them, but neither would move. When the travelers continued

Oedipus his downfall. King Laius and Queen Jocasta trusted the seer's prophecies and

continues onward to Thebes where the Sphinx kills all who can not answer the riddle. Yet

killed his father. He answered the riddle to the Sphinx and was appointed king of Thebes,

Oedipus answers it and saves the city. In return he is appointed king because King Laius

mountain side." These lines powerfully demonstrate the fear of fate held by Jocaste and

learned of his future and, thus, he tried to change it. On his journey to another city he

has been reported dead by the one traveler who escaped. By becoming king of Thebes

Approximate Word count = 783
Approximate Pages = 3 (250 words per page double spaced)

Category: Arts

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