Oedipus Is to Blame in Oedipus Rex

Oedipus Is to Blame 

  

      In Sophicle's Oedipus The King, Oedipus plays the lead character in the play.  Oedipus plays

blindfolded throughout the play.  His character that he betrays is typical of those who honestly believe

they have no part in the situation that occurs.  I agree with Bernard Knox that Oedipus is responsible for

the tragic outcome of the play.  Oedipus's investigation of the death of King Laius is the reason for the

tragic ending. 

  

      The scene where Oedipus opens the investigation is the first step toward his downfall.  Oedipus

covers up the murder and is nervous when he hears the news.  It is Oedipus's continuous effort to find the

murderer.  He wants to find the murderers of the king, not knowing that he is the murderer. 

  

      Oedipus is the head investigator for the murder of King Laius.  Even though he tells the people of

Thebes that, "I am ready to help."  He promises the people that he would do anything to find the

murderers of Laius.  Trying to seek all knowledge of the situation, Oedipus request the presence of the

servant that was pardoned.  The servant not knowing the request has arrived to give Oedipus some

shocking news about his royal family.  

  

Oedipus, seeing his responsibility, demands anyone who knows about the murder to come forth.  The

City of Thebes is weak and powerless after the death of the king Laius.  Oedipus says, "My spirit grieves

for the city, for myself and all of you."  If Oedipus had not proceeded with the investigation no one would

know anything about him.  Not one moment does he begin to think about the real situation he faces with

the death of Laius.  

  

Promising the people of Thebes that the murderer will be found through his investigation.  Oedipus awaits

Creon to return with the oracle from Apollo to help further his investigation.   Oedipus is ready to hear the

report for the gods.  Creon say, "Apollo commands us to drive the corruption from the land, and don't

harbor the murderer any longer." After hearing the report he begins to be unfolded by the prophecy from

Apollo about the murder.  If it had not been for Oedipus's determination to motivation of the investigation,

no one would have discovered the murderer. 

  

The investigation leads Oedipus's discovery of more information about the murder and his fate.  Oedipus

finds out that his fate is to kill.  Once he finds out his fate, that he is destined to kill, Oedipus immediately

recognizes what needs to be done.  

  

Oedipus brings the tragic discovery on himself.  He is responsible for the murder of the King.  His life had

already been pre-destined by the gods above.  No one knew about the fate until the servant arrived.  His

continuous investigation leads to the truth about the true murderer.  After questioning the people of

Thebes and hearing the oracle, Oedipus does not understand until he understands his fate.  Pursing the

truth was not the best thing Oedipus could have done.  

  

  

  

  

 

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"Oedipus Is to Blame in Oedipus Rex." 123HelpMe.com. 13 Apr 2015 

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