Examine Sophocles’ use of dramatic irony in “Oedipus Rex”

Answer

Examine Sophocles’ use of dramatic irony in “Oedipus Rex”. 

Dramatic irony occurs when the audience knows important information that the characters do not. Sophocles (c. 496 BCE – 406 BCE) was one of the greatest playwrights of ancient Greece. His tragedy “Oedipus Rex” (first performed in c. 429 BC) is remarkable in the world of dramatic literature. In this play, dramatic irony plays a significant role in developing the story. In this Athenian tragedy, the audience already knows that Oedipus has killed his father, Laius, and married his mother, Jocasta. However, Oedipus is ignorant of this, and it creates tension and suspense among the audience.

Oedipus Curses the Murderer: Dramatic irony is introduced early in the play when Oedipus curses the murderer of Laius. The city of Thebes is suffering from a plague. The Delphic Oracle says that the plague will only end when Laius’s killer is punished. Oedipus is unaware that he is the murderer. As a result, he declares:  

Upon the murderer I invoke this curse—whether he is one man or many, may he drag out his life in misery.

The audience knows Oedipus is unknowingly cursing himself. His determination to punish the killer is ironic because it ultimately brings about his own downfall.  

Oedipus’s Plan to Uncover the Truth: As king, Oedipus vows to save Thebes by finding the murderer. He states,

I will bring it all to light,

These words display the irony of his quest. The audience knows he is searching for himself, but Oedipus remains ignorant. His determination to uncover the truth about Laius’s murder shows his commitment to justice. However, it also reveals his tragic fate. The irony grows stronger with each step Oedipus takes to uncover the truth. His search ultimately leads him to realize that he himself is the cause of Thebes’s suffering.

The Role of Teiresias: Sophocles uses the theme of blindness and sight to show dramatic irony. Teiresias is the blind prophet. He knows the truth about Oedipus’s identity. However, Oedipus, who has physical sight, is