Oedipus and the Gods An important part of this classic tragedy that Sophocles wanted the audience to recognize is how the characters perceive the gods. Does the play reflect reverence or irreverence towards the gods? At the beginning of the play, Oedipus clearly lacks respect for the gods and acts as if he is higher than them, which makes it seem like the story is supposed to make believe people the gods aren’t as amazing as they think they are. The story actually reflects reverence toward the gods because by having bad things done to the characters that disrespect the gods, Sophocles is proving that the gods are superior. When Oedipus is told about the prophecy that he will kill his father and marry his mother, he moves to Thebes to avoid
