Oedipus Questions 1-5-11

1. How does Oedipus come across at the beginning of the play? Characterize him briefly, and compare him to Creon.

The first lines of Oedipus the King state: "Oh  my children, the new blood of ancient Thebes, why are you here? Huddling at my altar, praying before me, your branches wound in wool" (159). He comes across as a humble man because he asks them why they are at his altar praying for his help. He is also concerned for the well being of his people. Compared to Creon, Oedipus is clearly higher position than he is. There was not much about Creon to compare him fully to Oedipus.






2. Look at the Chorus's song. In what and whom does the Chorus have faith? On what does the Chorus blame the troubles and blight of Thebes? To whom is the Chorus looking for help and relief?
The Chorus says: "Zeus! Great welcome voice of Zeus, what do you bring?" (168). The Chorus clearly depends on all the Greek Gods. Throughout all the Chorus's song, they pray to each of the Gods asking for their help. The Chorus blames the troubles of Thebes to the plague. The Chorus is looking to the Gods to protect them.


3. Look closely at Oedipus's speech in lines 216-175. Since the Greek audience would have known well the story and suffering of Oedipus, how many statements in this speech are examples of dramatic irony? Be sure to cite them and explain them.
The first thing Oedipus says is: "You pray to the gods? Le me grant your prayers." (171). This is an example of Oedipus's hubris and overblown pride. Those two things are his major flaws which are ultimately going to be his downfall. This is dramatic irony because the audience knows this, but Oedipus does not. Later Oedipus states: "Now my curse on the murderer. Whoever he is, a lone man unknown in his crime...let that man drago out his life in agony" (172). Oedipus is talking about the murderer who killed King Laius. This is very ironic because Oedipus is actually the one who killed Laius.

4. Look closely also at Teiresias's words to Oedipus. How does Oedipus respond to Teiresias at the beginning, middle, and end of this episode?

At the beginning, Oedipus is confused as to whom Tiresias is referring because Tiresias does not want to tell Oedipus. Oedipus is also begging Tiresias to tell all of the people: "For the love of god, don't turn away, not if you know something. We beg you, all of us on our knees" (177). During the middle, Oedipus becomes angry with Tiresias because Tiresias isn't telling Oedipus the answers. Oedipus tells Tiresias that he is spurning the city. During the end, Oedipus is in denial when he first hears Tiresias tell him he is the murderer. He begins to get angry at Tiresias and insults him. Oedipus goes on a tirade of how he was the smartest because he figured out the Sphinx's riddle and saved the entire city.