Irony In Oedipus The King Essay

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Irony In Oedipus The King Essay

In the play Oedipus the King there are many reinforced ideals of irony many of which come from just one speech, the speech where oedipus was discussing the terms of what would happen if he found the person who committed the murder. The speech starts off with many ironic statements, this is evident in the first three paragraphs.
In the first paragraph of his speech he states that he wasn’t present for the murder.
He says that he wasn't a part of it by saying, “If I'd been present then there would have have been no mystery, no long hunt without a clue in hand.” (249-251) Staying that he wasn't present shows how blind to his own story he truly is. Next oedipus orders the murderer to reveal the truth to him (255-256). The irony in that isn't just …show more content…
He continues digging himself deeper by saying, “I order you every citizen of the state where I hold throne and power; banish this man-whoever he may be- never shelter him, never speak a word to him, never make him partner to your prayers, your victims burned to the gods."(269-273) Or in other words, “Oedipus demands that the evil man who murdered Laius be punished, but is unaware that he is the murderer.”(Kristina Dems) Saying all that would then make thing should harder for him when everyone found out the truth. During the time period oracles were all knowing he says that the murderer is the reason for the plague and that he knows this because Apollo’s oracle told him so. Saying the oracle told him that the murderer is the reason for the plague will force his people against him once they find out the truth. Knowing this, one could certainly assume that the outcome for Oedipus will be that of a bronzed emotion, harsh and

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