"Oedipus The King" Analysis

Paraghraph :
"Oedipus the King" is a play written by Sophocles in which the main character, Oedipus, is the
king of Thebes. The play follows Oedipus as he tries to uncover the truth about his past and his
true identity. The play is a tragedy, and one of the key elements of literature it explores is the
concept of fate and free will. The prophecy that Oedipus will kill his father and marry his mother
is a central theme throughout the play and leads to the tragic ending.
Another element of literature present in the play is the use of dramatic irony. The audience
knows the truth about Oedipus's past, but the characters do not, which creates tension and
suspense as the play unfolds. Additionally, the play also uses imagery, metaphor, and
symbolism. The play also explores the theme of hubris and the fall of a tragic hero. The play
also features a strong sense of characterization, particularly in Oedipus's arc, which showcases
his descent from a noble leader to a tragic figure.
Overall, "Oedipus the King" is a complex play that explores various literary elements and
themes. It is a classic example of Greek tragedy and continues to be studied and performed
today for its timeless themes and powerful storytelling.

Elements of a Play

"Oedipus the King" by Sophocles is a play that explores various literary elements and themes.
Some of the key elements include:

Plot: The plot of the play follows Oedipus, the king of Thebes, as he tries to uncover the truth
about his past and his true identity. The play begins with a plague ravaging Thebes, and
Oedipus, determined to save his people, sets out to find the cause of the plague. As he
investigates, he discovers that the true cause of the plague is his own actions - he unknowingly
killed his father and married his mother. This realization leads to the tragic ending of the play.

Characterization: The play features strong characterization, particularly in the character of

Oedipus. He is portrayed as a noble leader at the beginning of the play, but as the truth about
his past is revealed, he descends into a tragic figure. Other characters such as Jocasta, his wife
and mother, and Tiresias, the blind prophet, are also well-developed and contribute to the story.

Theme: The play explores several themes, including fate and free will. The prophecy that
Oedipus will kill his father and marry his mother is a central theme throughout the play and
leads to the tragic ending. The theme of hubris is also present, as Oedipus's pride and
determination to uncover the truth ultimately leads to his downfall. The theme of blindness, both
literal and figurative, is also present and adds deeper meaning to the story.
Symbolism: The play also uses symbolism throughout. For example, the imagery of light and
dark is used to represent knowledge and ignorance. The riddle of the Sphinx is also a symbol
for the mystery of Oedipus's identity.

Language: The play is written in verse, and the language is formal and elevated, befitting the
grandeur of the story. The use of metaphor, imagery, and rhetorical devices adds depth and
meaning to the story.

Dramatic Irony: The play makes use of dramatic irony, where the audience knows the truth
about Oedipus's past, but the characters do not, which creates tension and suspense as the
play unfolds.

Tragic Hero: Oedipus, the protagonist of the play, is a classic example of a tragic hero. He is a
noble leader who falls from grace due to his own actions and the prophecy that guides them,
which ultimate I ily leads to his downfall.

Overall, "Oedipus the King" is a complex play that explores various literary elements and
themes. The play is a classic example of Greek tragedy and continues to be studied and
performed today for its timeless themes and powerful storytelling.