How is the crisis of identity and origin expressed in Oedipus Rex?

Ans. 1)
Does a person really know where his actual place is in the world? Can this person really
identify himself accurately? Within Oedipus Rex, Sophocles develops a character that
challenges these questions. The protagonist, Oedipus, holds a manufactured identity and
an emphasized view of himself which only contributes to the illusion that he is living in.
An illusion is a very powerful spell that is cast onto the brains of those less aware of
reality such as Oedipus. Oedipus’ illusion is slowly and painfully shattered in front of his
eyes at the end of the play. With Oedipus’ misconception of the world around him and its
destruction, the central theme of identity is brought up.
In scenes described before the play’s time, Oedipus saves Thebes from the
dreaded sphinx and becomes their king. The citizens of Thebes greatly respect and
cherish their new leader, so much so they call him "the man surest in mortal way/
And wisest in the ways of God" (Oedipus Rex, Prologue, Lines 37- 38). Oedipus fully
accepts this kind of worship towards him. Embracing this kind of worship contributes to
Oedipus' illusion that he is divine when he is just a simple human. Gods are often seen as
powerful and nearly flawless beings while humans are riddled with blemishes. When
Oedipus rejects his weaknesses, he further alienates himself from reality and delves
deeper into his fantasy world.
The theme of identity is presented once Oedipus’ illusion is destroyed.
Discovering his true identity crushes the king’s spirit since it is so unglamorous
compared to the life he is currently living. Oedipus is driven throughout the story by his
perpetual and unrelenting desire for the truth. Ironically, he rejects it in favor for his
fabricated life. The decision of choosing fantasy over reality showcases the identity crisis
Oedipus experiences.
Oedipus states that "Oedipus [is]... damned in his birth, in his marriage damned,/Damned
in the blood he shed with his own hand!" when he finally accepts the flaws that he has
rejected for so long (Scene 4, Lines 1123- 1124). Sophocles uses third person when
Oedipus is addressing himself in order to show that Oedipus does not want to live an
imperfect existence. Anaphora of the word damned is used to as a connotation to express
that his imperfections are ungodly and they denounce his reputation. In his illusion,
Oedipus sees himself as an almighty figure comparable to God. This identity that
Oedipus conjured is wrecked which leaves Oedipus shocked and bewildered now that he
has nothing to recognize himself with. Without any sense of self, Oedipus makes several
rash decisions near the end of his life in hopes of restoring any honor in his now petty
time.
Sophocles’ character, Oedipus, searches for his true self within the play. Oedipus
is a hero and a king, so he expects his origins to reflect his prestige. Unfortunately for
him, his roots are anything but that. The misinterpretation Oedipus has of himself
throughout the play and his inability to accept and adapt to the real world contributes to
his downfall.