‘King Oedipus’ written by Sophocles is perhaps one of the most complex, intriguing, and tragic stories that have ever been written in the history of literature. This story delineates the saga of Oedipus with a strong emphasis on the crucial role of destiny in deciding human fate. This classic work unfolds the miserable life of Oedipus, the King of Thebes, who, after having killed his father, ‘Laius’, becomes the king of Thebes and marries his mother ‘Jocasta’. This story is nothing short of a treasure in terms of the use of literary devices, and various other techniques employed by the writer to elevate this work to the status of one of the most valid masterpieces of all times in literature. It will be a most challenging endeavor to confine the relevance of this story to the study of literature in a 3-page essay. However, if one narrows it down to two or three aspects it will be possible that one can do justice to it. Any literary critic or reader will immediately recognize the various elements that contribute to make this work one of the best samples for an understanding of literature. Therefore, I strongly feel that this story is a valuable piece of literature for modern students especially in terms of plot development, characterization, and philosophical content.
The author’s craftsmanship in plot development is conspicuous by his choice of beginning the story at the Royal Palace at Thebes where the citizens have gathered and a priest speaks of the grievances of the people due to the onslaught of bubonic plague in the country, which has been causing tremendous misery and devastation for the masses. He explains to the king, the gruesome details of the “tide of death from which there is no escaping, death in the womb of women; and pestilence, a fiery demon gripping the city.” (p. 26). The King is quite apprehensive of the miseries, sympathizes with the people, and proclaims that ‘whatever the God requires, upon my honor, it shall be done. (p. 27). This earnest acceptance of his responsibility by Oedipus pulls him into a whirlpool from where he finds no escape. Any modern student of literature should be able to take cue from the author’s clever design of how the central character, as a King, is made to proclaim a commitment which draws him further into the vortex. Subsequently, when Oedipus insists that Teiresias tell him the truth and even threatens him with dire consequences if he fails to do so, Oedipus allows himself to be sucked deeper into the under currents of his destiny, which seals his fate. Another element of effective plot development, from which a student can recognize the author’s techniques, becomes evident by the manner in which the author has chosen to unravel the misery of Oedipus’ destiny through the messenger from Corinth and the servant of Laius, who finally confirm that Oedipus is the killer of his father.
Sophocles has created a well-rounded, striking character in Oedipus who can stand as a sterling example for students in understanding the mechanics of characterization. The diverse characteristic traits one finds in Oedipus make him a complex human being. Sophocles has paid meticulous attention to every minute detail of Oedipus’ character, which any student can discern for a better understanding of the process of sketching characters. Sophocles, on one hand, portrays Oedipus as a chivalrous person, who, as a king, is benevolent to his subjects. The author illustrates his care and concern for the citizens of his kingdom by the instance where he commits himself to do all in his power to remove the evil from Thebes. Later, as the story unfolds, this trait appears more solidified when Oedipus forces Teiresias to reveal the truth about Laius’ slayer, even though it signals the beginning of his doom. On the other hand, Oedipus, as revealed by his misapprehension about Creon, and the way he disregards his mother’s request not to pursue the truth at his peril, creates in the reader’s mind an impression that he is not able to judge people correctly, and his unwillingness to listen to good reasoning becomes his undoing. However, despite all the sins he committed, he emerges as a nobleman of strong character traits who was doomed by the acts of destiny. An analysis of such a complex character will, no doubt, provide the students a good sense of how an intriguing character can be created.
Finally, ‘King Oedipus’ is a worthy book for any student because of how it integrates relevant philosophical content so seamlessly into the threads of the story. When Creon states that “the shedding of blood is the cause of our peril,” the author wants to imply that violence is an evil that mars the peace and well-being of humans, which is a theory that applies to any society at any given time. (p. 28). Similarly is Oedipus’ proclamation that “To help his fellow men with all his power is man’s noble work.” (p. 34). However, the most important philosophical content that directly relates to Oedipus’ tragedy is Teiresias’ logic that “When wisdom brings no profit, to be wise is to suffer,” which he expresses in answer to the statement of Oedipus, quoted above. The deployment of these theories which are most relevant to modern human life, in the apt places in the story, at the appropriate occasions, will provide the students with a clear idea as to how such philosophical thoughts can be integrated into the fabric of narration to create impact in the readers.
From the above discussions, it becomes apparent that ‘King Oedipus’ by Sophocles employs several literary devices like plot development, characterization, integration of philosophical content, etc in a most illustrative manner. A proper analysis of these ingredients throws ample light into the mechanics of narration and will enable an inquisitive person to understand how to effectively use these elements to create emotional and intellectual impacts with a story. Thus, one can confidently state that ‘King Oedipus’ is a valuable piece of literature for modern students to understand the art of storytelling.
Works Cited
Sophocles. The Theban Plays: King Oedipus. New York: Penguin Books USA Inc, 1974.