In Sophocles’ Oedipus
Oedipus was heavily admired by his fellow Athenians because of his intelligence. However, Oedipus’ brilliance is eventually revealed to be his tragic strength as written by Sophocles. The audience or reader of this play is aware of the potentially disastrous events that may play out if Oedipus’ is able to solve the mystery of Laios’ murder. The declaration of the incredible intelligence Oedipus possesses by himself and those around him adds to the dramatic theme of the story. It creates a sense of suspense and draws the audience into the story out of natural curiosity for the catastrophic events that are going to unfold as Oedipus puts pieces of the puzzle together. Oedipus’ tragic strength shows through in the beginning of the story as he is praised for solving the Sphinx’s riddle, when he presses on to find the truth, and in his eventual discovery and downfall. The opening scene introduces the
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Oedipus commits himself to finding the truth that the audience is already aware of, which creates dramatic tension as each new testimony comes forward to reveal that Oedipus is indeed Laios’s killer. Before Oedipus accepts the truth, Jokasta becomes aware of who Oedipus really is and she attempts to keep him from solving the mystery in order to protect him from the pain. Jokasta gives a convicting line when she tells Oedipus “Oh you poor doomed child! That is the only name I can call you now. None other, forever” (694). Meanwhile, the audience is provoked by this scene because it seems as though the potential disaster has arrived. However, in dramatic effect the story continues as Oedipus refuses the truth until he is certain what has occurred. As a reader, it is especially baffling to not see Oedipus figure out that Tiresias was telling the truth considering Oedipus’ renowned