Oedipus Duty

Prologue

Summary

The play begins with the citizens of Thebes gathered around a shrine to plead with Oedipus the King, who established his position as King just a few days ago. Oedipus’ status is due to the recent death of Laius, the previous King of Thebes. The Elder priest informs Oedipus that there has been a curse placed upon Thebes. Thebes is plagued by storms, famine (due to diseased crops and livestock), fires in towns, and poverty. Not only do the citizens turn to Oedipus because of his status as king, but also because he is well-known for his achievement of slaying the Sphinx. Oedipus has already begun looking for the “cure” to this situation. He sent Creon, his brother-in-law, to the Oracle to look for a way to save Thebes. Using

Oedipus displays his strong sense of duty for the people of Thebes when he vows, “I am resolute, and shall not stop / till with Apollo’s help all-blessed we emerge, / or else we are lost-beyond all purge” (Sophocles, Prologue. p.11 ). In Oedipus’ action of making his promises to his citizens, he shows his strong obligation to find Laius’ killer through his word choice. By saying “we,” Oedipus shows that his duty does not originate from wanting to protect himself from the murderer, but rather, from the urge to protect the subjects of Thebes and to bring prosperity to Thebes. In addition, when he says he “shall not stop”, it highlights his resolve towards this particular

At the beginning of the Prologue, Oedipus addresses the citizens of Thebes as “children.” However, the Priest informs Oedipus that people of all ages have gathered around the shrine for his help. This shows that similarly to young children, Oedipus views his subjects as people who are less capable than himself and it is his duty to care and provide for them. In addition, Oedipus reflects a great deal of confidence when he says, “I come to see it with my eyes, no messenger’s. / Yes, I whom men call Oedipus the Great” (Sophocles, Prologue. p.5). In this episode, Oedipus has every right to be confident because of his recent achievements on the road to Thebes, such as answering the Sphinx’s riddle and becoming King. Unfortunately, this is only the starting point for his pride and he only becomes more prideful as the play