Introduction
Sophocles’ play Oedipus Rex deals with the tragedy of Oedipus and one understands that his tragedy was predetermined by fate. The Greeks believed in the power of oracles, prophesies, predestination and myths, and were very much preoccupied with good and evil. Sophocles makes use of all these elements in the Oedipus Rex and the fact that the audience is aware of the myth of Oedipus foreshadows his fate in the beginning of the play.
The oracle predicts that Oedipus would be killing his own father and marrying his own mother. Since then, Oedipus tries to escape the inevitable fate that awaits him. The greatest irony of the play is that al his efforts to evade the destiny bring him closer to it and the play shows how futile is Oedipus’ human efforts to escape his destiny.
Main body
Oedipus’ personal traits of pride, honor, hubris, anger, annoyance and his incessant quest to know the truth bring him closer to his tragic fate. It was Oedipus’ hubris or his inability to control his hot temper that leads to the murder of Laius the king. The play opens with an unnatural plague that falls as a curse on the people of Thebes. Oedipus’ self is so much determined and resolved to find out the actual reason for the plague; he shows heroic courage and honor to fight for the cause of the nation and his people. When Tiresias tells him that he is the actual polluter, he becomes annoyed and angry.
He plainly states “I know I am right” (p. 43) and goes in pursuit of the truth to prove himself innocent. But later when the messenger from Corinth states that “Polypus is no kin”(Sophocles, p. 35) of his, his self becomes all the more confused. Being courageous and adamant he doesn’t stop his pursuit; he is, instead, more determined to find the mystery of his birth. This is evident when he states “I must pursue this trial to the end….I can’t leave the truth unknown” (Sophocles, p. 55). His self is so resolute and even Jocasta’s attempt to stop him proves to be futile. Later, the old shepherd’s confession shatters his own optimistic self and his self-discovery leads to his own downfall.
The play conveys the message that it is not possible for humans to fight the supernatural, however courageous and intelligent he is. The irony of Oedipus being clever enough to solve the riddle of the sphinx, yet being utterly devoid of self-knowledge, is evident in the play. Thus, the play clearly convinces the spectators that man is unable to alter the fate ordained on him. His downfall, thus, “stresses the vulnerability of human beings whose suffering is brought on by a combination of human and divine actions.” (Introduction to Greek Tragedy: Genre – Tragedy).
The role of the chorus in the play is very much significant. All throughout the play, the chorus stands with Oedipus and it pictures him as an efficient, noble, and heroic leader. Even when Teiresias turns against Oedipus, the chorus provides support to the protagonist. In fact, the chorus acts as a commentator in the play who foreshadows and sympathizes with the plight that awaits Oedipus. In a way, the chorus in the play echoes the inner feelings of the audiences and its primary function is to evoke feelings of pity and fear among the spectators.
Conclusion
Teiresias, in the play, acts as a foil to the character of Oedipus, and the physical blindness of Teiresias is contrasted with the mental blindness of the latter. Even though Tiresias is physically blind, he knows the truth and can understand the working of the supernatural elements. Oedipus, when he ultimately realizes the truth, is helpless and there is no other alternative for him rather than succumb himself to the inevitable fate that surmounts him.
This helplessness of Oedipus is made clear when the chorus states that he “held the key to the deepest mysteries,” but “misfortune swept over his head” and the implication of this is that no one can be completely happy until “he carries his happiness down to the grave in peace.” (Sophocles, p. 68). Thus, the play shows the vulnerable nature of the human predicament and it reinforces the fact that man’s fate is preordained and predestined.
Works Cited
Sophocles. The Theban Plays. London & New York:: Penguin Books. 1974.
Introduction to Greek Tragedy: Genre – Tragedy. AbleMedia: Classic Technology Center. 1998-2000. Web.