Oedipus Self Discovery Analysis

18 March 2014
Oedipus Rex and the Journey of Self-Discovery Those who have the ability of sight are stuck in the darkness of ignorance hidden behind lies and those who do not have the ability of sight are in the light of what the truth reveals. Throughout Oedipus’ journey of self-discovery one will notice how he develops as a character. Oedipus is referred to as a character that shows great pride and temper, his quick acts of judgement and fate are the reasons to his downfall as a tragic hero. His personality reveals how ignorant he is to the truth. Though Oedipus’ only goal was to seek who is responsible for the plague upon the kingdom of Thebes, the theme of dramatic irony comes into play where he finds out that he is the one
Oedipus is so quick to point out the flaws in others but is ignorant to his own flaws. Upon finding out the reasoning behind the plague, Oedipus makes a quick decision by demanding to kill the murderers of the king before him, Laius. He also declares that the murderers are to be exiled from Thebes and they shall suffer. Oedipus says “And where on earth are they? Where shall be found the dim-seen track-mark of an ancient crime?”(Sophocles 5) this signifies irony because these are the consequences that Oedipus has put upon himself. A senator advises Oedipus to seek Tiresias, a blind prophet. Though he unable to see, he more aware of the truth than Oedipus. He believes that Tiresias is the only saviour. Oedipus asks Tiresias who the murderer is and refuses to tell him. Oedipus is angered by this and thinks that Tiresias is being not loyal to him. Oedipus starts to wonder if Tiresias is out to destroy him and the city; this once again reveals that Oedipus is untrusting and worried. But Tiresias is only hiding the truth to keep Oedipus from distress. Oedipus becomes outraged by saying “Worst of Traitors! For you would rouse a very stone to wrath- will you not speak out ever, but stand thus relentless and persistent?” (Sophocles 13) This reveals a frustration and quick temper of Oedipus’ character. He quickly points out the flaw in Tiresias but he does not
The people around Oedipus are aware of his actions when he is angry. Oedipus does not think of the consequences before doing them, at an impulse he acts upon his anger. Creon notices this and informs Oedipus by saying “Tempers such as yours most grievous are to their own selves to bear, not without justice.” (Sophocles 25) This signifies that Oedipus over reacts when he is in the state of anger. Upon the knowledge of the prophecy of his past, Oedipus notices that the way Laius dies reminds him of a way that he killed a man. At three way crossroads, an old man told Oedipus to get out of the way of his path. Out of anger, Oedipus struck the man with a staff that kills him. This reveals that Oedipus has difficulty dealing with himself when he is angry. Sophocles tries to tell his audience through Oedipus that one must be fully aware of the actions and decisions that are made. This indicates that one must be responsible for what is to come for the