Oedipus Rex is a chaotic play written by Sophocles that can leave quite the impression, as it takes unexpected twists and revolves around a tense atmosphere. The play takes place in Thebes, a kingdom ruled by Oedipus, who attempts to rescue his people from a gruesome plague. As cruel as it may have been, Oedipus, ruler of Thebes, did deserve his fate due to his foul, stubborn behavior and his questionable actions. Though this topic may be controversial, there is no way to overlook Oedipus’s greed, arrogance, and kill count. It is easy to pity Oedipus and what he was put through, yet he had unknowingly placed himself in these horrendous situations. As the story of Oedipus unfolds, it is clear that Oedipus is at fault and deserves everything
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Oedipus confesses to Jocasta, “The groom leading the horses forced me off the road at his lord’s command: But as this charioteer lurched over towards me I struck him in my rage… He was paid pack, and more! Swinging my club in this right hand I knocked him out of his car, and he rolled on the ground. I killed him. I killed them all” (43). Oedipus’s actions demonstrate just how sick he is. He killed innocents in cold blood, thus it was only fair that he suffered from the terrible prophecy. Some may argue that Oedipus is not at fault for killing his father and marrying his mother, but what could drive anyone to defend his homicidal tendencies? For murdering King Laius and his men, Oedipus suffered inevitable karma, as his reckless actions led to his …show more content…
At one point, Jocasta argues with Oedipus’s stubborn ways as she cries, “For God’s love, let us have no more questioning! Is your life nothing to you? My own is pain enough for me to bear” (56), to which Oedipus - who refuses to give up - replies, “I will not listen; the truth must be made known” (57). After this, we can identify Oedipus’s attitude towards uncovering his true origins. His pride is what causes the truth to come tumbling out, killing Jocasta in the process. Yes, Oedipus’s irrational behavior caused not only his true father’s death, but also his mother’s. Since he wished for the truth so badly, the gods decided to give it to him, and in the most excruciating
Oedipus confesses to Jocasta, “The groom leading the horses forced me off the road at his lord’s command: But as this charioteer lurched over towards me I struck him in my rage… He was paid pack, and more! Swinging my club in this right hand I knocked him out of his car, and he rolled on the ground. I killed him. I killed them all” (43). Oedipus’s actions demonstrate just how sick he is. He killed innocents in cold blood, thus it was only fair that he suffered from the terrible prophecy. Some may argue that Oedipus is not at fault for killing his father and marrying his mother, but what could drive anyone to defend his homicidal tendencies? For murdering King Laius and his men, Oedipus suffered inevitable karma, as his reckless actions led to his …show more content…
At one point, Jocasta argues with Oedipus’s stubborn ways as she cries, “For God’s love, let us have no more questioning! Is your life nothing to you? My own is pain enough for me to bear” (56), to which Oedipus - who refuses to give up - replies, “I will not listen; the truth must be made known” (57). After this, we can identify Oedipus’s attitude towards uncovering his true origins. His pride is what causes the truth to come tumbling out, killing Jocasta in the process. Yes, Oedipus’s irrational behavior caused not only his true father’s death, but also his mother’s. Since he wished for the truth so badly, the gods decided to give it to him, and in the most excruciating