Sophocles 'Dramatic Irony In Oedipus Rex'

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Dramatic irony is when the audience and other characters know information that one specific character does not, causing irony. In Oedipus Rex, Oedipus’ blindness to his past causes an extensive amount of dramatic irony. As the play goes on, and Oedipus is revealed more of the truth, the dramatic irony increases. Oedipus starts off being oblivious to his past, but as he gets deeper into his conversation with Tiresias, more is revealed to him. Tiresias is very wise and knows all, unlike Oedipus. Tiresias is aware that Oedipus murdered his father before Oedipus even knew himself “I know of him by hearsay. I have not seen him” (Sophocles line 105!). The truth is later on exposed to Oedipus by Tiresias. Throughout their conversation, tons of dramatic