Plot Summary and Key Conflict
The play begins with a plague devouring the city of Thebes. King Oedipus vows to find the murderer of the previous king, Laius, to save his people. As the investigation unfolds, Oedipus discovers that the very man he seeks is himself. The conflict centers on the slow, agonizing revelation of the past: that Oedipus unknowingly killed his father and married his mother, fulfilling a prophecy he tried desperately to escape. This narrative structure is a classic example of 'tragic irony,' where the protagonist's actions to avoid disaster are exactly what lead to it.
Major Themes: Fate vs. Free Will
A primary focus for many literature assignments is the struggle between human will and destiny. While Oedipus makes his own choices—to flee Corinth, to kill a man at a crossroads, and to solve the Sphinx's riddle—every action aligns with the oracle's prediction. When studying this text, consider whether Oedipus is a victim of the gods or a victim of his own 'hubris' (excessive pride). His relentless pursuit of the truth, despite warnings from the prophet Teiresias and his wife Jocasta, eventually leads to his downfall.
Symbolism: Sight and Blindness
Sophocles uses the motif of sight and blindness to represent knowledge and ignorance. Teiresias, the blind prophet, sees the truth clearly, while Oedipus, who has physical sight, remains blind to his own identity. This irony culminates in the play’s resolution: once Oedipus finally 'sees' the truth of his heritage, he physically blinds himself. For class discussions, analyze how Oedipus’s transition from physical sight to physical blindness represents his gain of spiritual and intellectual insight.
Study Tips for Essays and Quizzes
To excel in your literature assignments, focus on the definition of a 'Tragic Hero.' Identify Oedipus's 'hamartia'—the fatal flaw that leads to his ruin. While many popular resources like SparkNotes offer chapter summaries, success in college-level courses requires connecting these summaries to broader historical contexts, such as the role of the chorus in Greek society. Track the transition of the Chorus's attitude toward Oedipus, moving from reverence and hope to pity and fear, as this often mirrors the audience's emotional journey.
