Oedipus

A detailed Summary of Oedipus


If the superiority of a work of literature is based on its ability to arouse in the reader a combination of delight and anxiety, then Sophocles has succeeded in Oedipus Rex. His work provides its readers with a healthy confusion of pleasure and disquietude. These elements contribute to the effectiveness and purpose of the story. Three major sources that produce this healthy confusion are the prophecy of Tiresias, and the arrival of the messenger from Corinth, and the character of Oedipus himself.

Tiresias conjures up a strong sense of anxiety when he tells of the prophecy. The reader, along with Oedipus, awaits the words of this blind prophet since he could very well hold the key to unlocking the plague's myster


y. Unwillingly and out of frustration from Oedipus, Tiresias says, "Is that right! Then I charge you to abide by the decree you have announced: from this day say no word to either these or me, for you are the vile polluter of this land!" (355). His bold and surprising prophecy does nothing but infuriate an already angry king. Oedipus refuses to believe in such profound accusations, and ironically he is the true suspect. The reader understands this truth and cannot help but feel disturbed and worried about the fate of Oedipus.

Oedipus alone causes much of the reader's healthy confusion. His complicated lineage adds to the story's intrigue. The fact that he is uninformed to his actual guilt causes him to act without fear of consequence. He says

Some common words found in the essay are:
Polybus Merope, Oedipus Tiresias, Oedipus Rex, King Polybus, Creates Anticipation, healthy confusion, words blind prophet, healthy confusion pleasure, confusion pleasure disquietude, confusion pleasure, words blind, knowing truth, pleasure disquietude, messenger corinth, oedipus rex, blind prophet, oedipus tiresias,

Approximate Word count = 505
Approximate Pages = 2 (250 words per page double spaced)

Category: English

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