In Oedipus Rex, the author Sophocles continually uses dramatic irony throughout the play to illustrate Oedipus' tragic flaw, hubris. At the beginning of the play, Oedipus tells the people of Thebes that they must get rid of King Laius’ murderer to be free from the plague. He then angrily talks about the murderer, “[praying] that [his] life be consumed in evil and wretchedness” (Sophocles 14). Oedipus is unaware that the proclamations he makes are for himself. Because of his ignorance, Oedipus does not know that he is the one who killed King Laius and continues to pursue the murderer, later causing his tragic end. When a messenger comes to inform Oedipus that King Polybos is dead and invites him to return to Corinth, Oedipus tells the messenger
