Essay on Irony in Sophocles Oedipus the King - 795 Words

Irony in Sophocles Oedipus In the play Oedipus, irony is used frequently as and as eloquently by Sophocles to the reveal theme of seeking knowledge. Not knowing the King of Thebes, Oedipus, gives speeches on finding the murderer of the King of Laias and how wretched the poor soil will be when the truth is revealed. Then once more I must bring what is dark to light†¦, whoever killed King Laios might- who knows?-might decide at any moment to kill me as well. By avenging the murder of the King, I protect myself, (Sophocles 1109). The speech shows how dedicated Oedipus in the pursuit of the murderer and not only the avenge of the King but to save himself. He will not be saving but adding down to his life. Oedipus doesnt realize he†¦show more content†¦He fears the oracle and wants to do it right by it. But in doing so he will seclude himself from his own people as well as his family. He even prays to God asking him to punish the murderer severely with no avail. I pray that that mans life be consumed in evil and wretchedness†¦ And as for me, this curse applies no less, ( 1112). He is sure that that the curse doesnt apply to him, so he is willing to announce this publicly. He doesnt know that the old man he killed was King Laois. His only concern at this time is to free the city from sickness. He later announces that the King if he had not been killed would have had children and he would act as Laois son and avenge his fathers death. I say I take the sons part, just as though I were his son, to press the fight for him, ( 1112). Not only is he going to battle for the murdered King, but wants all the people in the city and damnation will be their reward. As he continues his search for knowledge, Oedipus brings the only man known to know the truth about the prophet Teiresias. Oedipus feels the truth will now be revealed and satisfaction will come to him. How dreadful knowledge of the truth can be when theres no help in truth†¦, (1114). This speech from Teiresias is not we ll interpeted by Oedipus. He is raged. Oedipus wants Teiresias to speak up and tell what he knows but asShow MoreRelatedThe Role of Irony and Fate in Oedipus The King by Sophocles2933 Words   |  12 PagesPlague and Health Another major theme in Oedipus the King deals with the ideas of plague and health. This theme can be taken as both literal, but metaphorical as well. This theme is literal in the sense that there is a genuine plague affecting Thebes. The health in Thebes only occurs at the end of the play when the plague has disappeared and after Oedipus blinds himself. 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