Through the use of diction associated with death, pollution, sickness, and unnaturalness, Sophocles is able to amplify the state of Thebes and their state of desperation. There is a widespread sickness in Thebes, which brings an unnatural disturbance to their land. In order to rid the land of this plague, Oedipus has to find the murder of Laius, and in this search for the murderer, Oedipus’ curiosity takes over and he is soon threatening to torture his people for information. This diction associated with death corresponds to the behavior of Oedipus, and can foreshadow his eventual death as well. Through this,
Through the use of diction associated with death, pollution, sickness, and unnaturalness, Sophocles is able to amplify the state of Thebes and their state of desperation. There is a widespread sickness in Thebes, which brings an unnatural disturbance to their land. In order to rid the land of this plague, Oedipus has to find the murder of Laius, and in this search for the murderer, Oedipus’ curiosity takes over and he is soon threatening to torture his people for information. This diction associated with death corresponds to the behavior of Oedipus, and can foreshadow his eventual death as well. Through this,