Structure of Sophocles’ Oedipus Rex

Prologue Episode 1 Episode 2 Episode 3 Episode 4 Episode 5

The effect of the response the beginnings the truth the truth death of
the plague of Oedipus: of the truth revealed (a) confirmed Jocasta &
on Thebes "let me (a) Oedipus & prayer of (Oed., the blinding
a)Oedipus answer...." Creon; Jocasta messenger, of Oedipus
and priest a) the curse of conspiracy (b) Oedipus, herdsman) (a)
b) Oedipus Oedipus charge (b) Jocasta, the messenger
and Creon b) Oedipus Oedipus & messenger; speech
and Tiresias: Jocasta; Oed. not son (b) Oedipus
"the murderer doubts about of Polybus & chorus
is here" oracles (c) Oedipus
& Creon;
Oed's
requests
denied
Oedipus
Oedipus as
Oedipus as believes he is
polluted
savior "son of
criminal
Chance"
Parodos: Stasimon 1: Stasimon 2: Stasimon 3: Stasimon 4: Exodos:
entry of the the oracle of tyrant's pride. speculation "the count no
chorus of Apollo. Effect of about the generations man happy
Thebans. Description of religious parentage of of men" before he is
Prayers to murderer as scepticism and Oedipus. Is he Oedipus as dead
various gods animal. Man's impiety. "why the son of a man of
to aid ignorance. should I god? misery
Thebes honour the
gods?"