Oedipus Rex

Oedipus Rex

In Oedipus Rex, Sophocles uses dramatic techniques in order to create tension, an impact or a certain atmosphere in the play. Some examples of this include foreshadowing, imagery, symbolism, and many more. However, this essay is only going to talk about two of these methods; irony. These two methods seem to be the most used in the play and also seem to add the most feeling or impact on the audience. There are many instances in Oedipus Rex, that the dramatic technique of irony is used to cause unrest within the audience. One instance in which dramatic irony prevails is in lines 146-148,
“For whoever he was who killed that man / would as soon kill me with that same violent hand. / Helping that one, there fore, I am helping my self.” (Sophocles 146-148)

This instance of irony is a point when the audience know more about what is going on than Oedipus himself. The reason for this is to cause suspense within the audience, it is suppose to draw the attention of the audience and keep them intrigued. Furthermore, Oedipus ironically makes an order against himself as he makes an official order that no one will be allowed to speak to the person who has brought the curse upon Thebes:

“I decree that no on shall receive him / or speak to him, nor make him partner / in prayers to the gods or sacrifices, … but instead that everyone must expel him / from their homes, as this man is the source / of our pollution …” (Sophocles 237-243)

This even more causes suspense because the audience knows that Oedipus is the person who plagued Thebes, not by choice, but he was cursed at birth. Throughout the whole play, Sophocles keeps the audience more informed than the protagonist himself. These examples not only are examples of irony, but also foreshadowing. Foreshadowing also causes additional suspense because the audience can see what is going to happen throughout the play. The playwright hints the audience into the possible future of the play they are seeing. In this case the audience knows that Oedipus is the person who causes the plague, while Oedipus himself does not know. As seen in Oedipus Rex, certain dramatic techniques can enhance one another to build an even greater effect. Both irony and foreshadowing supplement each other in the play, likewise symbolism can also add to meaning. Just like dramatic irony and foreshadowing, there are many instances in Oedipus Rex that also use symbolism. One instance of this is when Oedipus talks with Tiresias. While Tiresias if physically blind, Oedipus is symbolically blind. Oedipus has this inability to comprehend the truth that he so logically pursues, which ultimately leads to his downfall. For example, when Tiresias tells Oedipus that he is the “polluter,” Oedipus becomes enraged and accuses Tiresias of mental blindness: “There is, but not for you. You do not have this, / since you are blind in your ears and mind and eyes” (Sophocles 385-386). Symbolism in general adds depth and meaning to literature. It gives the notion that there is more than what the audience sees. There are layers that add meaning and also keep the reader involved. In the example above this is seen as the audience can see the mental blindness of Oedipus, he cannot comprehend what Tiresias is telling him nor does he want to understand. Also, another act of Oedipus’ metaphorical blindness is when Oedipus believes that Creon makes his report from Apollo because he wants to take Oedipus’ kingship away: “… the trusted Creon, my friend from the very beginning,
/ beguiles me and secretly desires to ourst me,
/ engaging this craftily-working wizard
/ this tricky beggar, who sees clearly only
/ for profit, but is blind when it comes to skill.” (Sophocles 400-404)

Oedipus’ inability to understand makes him act like a crazy man. He accuses his best friend, Creon, of wanted to take Oedipus’ kingship away for himself. However, Creon doesn’t want more power and is pleased with his current position. These examples as well can tie into irony because the audience can see that Oedipus has gone crazy and is blind to the truth and reality.

In conclusion, the dramatic techniques that are employed by Sophocles can all in one way or another relate to each other. Irony and symbolism add meaning and depth and meaning to the play, while irony and foreshadowing add suspense. All these methods and uses of dramatic techniques are in place to add aspects to the play to help the audience keep attention, help add meaning to the play, and help add a certain atmosphere that the playwright wants the audience to feel. Sophocles in his play Oedipus Rex masterfully uses these techniques to enhance the meaning of the play.