Oedipus Rex by Sophocles: An Analysis | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Entertainment

Oedipus Rex by Sophocles: An Analysis

Is the truth about past events really necessary?

50
Oedipus Rex by Sophocles: An Analysis
https://www.dreamstime.com/bust-tragic-poet-sophocles-athens-greece-image148185440

In the play Oedipus Rex by Sophocles, the question "is the truth about past events really necessary" is laced throughout the work, and the answer is left up to interpretation.

Oedipus lives greatly in his lie; he is the ruler of Thebes and is regarded highly. Once he discovers the truth that he killed his father and got his mother pregnant, however, he is unhappy and utterly destroyed. Decoding could not change Oedipus' past-- neither could his self-punishment, but he embarks on the mission because he wants to save Thebes. The sins he committed were not conscious decisions. He is bound by the oracle, and his actions do not reflect his character. If the actions had been intentional, then the guilt that he feels about the murder and impregnation would be more justified and deserved.

Oedipus was perfectly fine in his world of lies. To him, in fact it was truth. He believed that his reality was simply what he knew at the time (which did not include the killing of his father or the impregnating of his mother). After he seeks truth to save Thebes from the plague, he becomes unhappy. He conducts his own hunt for change after receiving advice from the oracle. The same quality that made him ruler also blinds him at the end of the play-- the need to find truth. The two situations (solving the riddle of the sphinx and finding the murderer) are parallel yet different in their benefits. Solving the Sphinx's riddle resulted in a positive outcome-- he became ruler and saved Thebes. Finding the murderer, however, was an attempt to save the city again but had negative results for Oedipus personally.

So should the truth be sought if the primary result is information regarding the past? We are presented the question but not the answer. Some may argue that the truth provides closure. Others might argue against that idea, saying closure is not needed, as nothing will change anyway. Pondering the question is left to us; and we can conclude, through the results of Oedipus' discovery, that being blind to the truth may be beneficial.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Adulting

18 Things I Want To Do Now That I'm 18

I'm technically an adult, so I'm legally required to live a little, right?

530
Happy Birthday Cake

For the entirety of my high school career, I was always seen as the goody-two-shoes. I never got in trouble with a teacher, I kept stellar grades, and when I wasn't doing extracurricular activities, I was at home studying. Even when I did go out, it was usually with a bunch of fellow band geeks. The night would end before 11:00 PM and the only controversial activity would be a fight based on who unfairly won a round of Apples-to-Apples when someone else clearly had a better card (I promise I'm not still holding a grudge).

Now that I'm officially an adult, I want to pursue some new things. I want to experience life in a way that I never allowed myself to do prior to entering college. These are the years that I'm supposed to embark on a journey of self-discovery, so what better way to do that than to create a bucket list?

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

10 Life Lessons from Christmas Classics

The holiday classics that shaped my life

330
10 Life Lessons from Christmas Classics
Flickr

The holiday season is full of stress, debt, and forced conversation. While we rush through the month of December, it's important to take a step back and enjoy the moments before they're gone. Most families love to watch Christmas movies, but these beloved films provide more than entertainment. Here are 10 life lessons that I've learned from the holiday classics we watch every year.

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

199282
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

20319
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments