1. Oedipus
1.1. In the beginning Oedipus is presented as a confident and determined ruler who is deeply committed to solving the mystery of King Laius's murder in order to save Thebes from a devastating plague. His character goes through a dramatic transformation as the truth about his identity and actions unfold.
1.1.1. Sophocles highlights individuals don’t decide their fate, although individuals are in control with their own lives, fate is still inevitable. This demonstrates that no matter what choices one makes they will end up in the same result at the end of the day, also explaining that fate is inevitable.
1.1.1.1. Sophocles explores the importance of action, determining the outcome and destiny. This portrays that an individual can still enjoy their lives and make their own choices, possibly delaying their fate.
1.1.2. Dramatic irony:when trying to solve laius' murder, oedipus 'called down' a 'curse' upon the murderer.He essetially curses himself due to being oblivious towards the truth.This leads to his curse mathcing his doomed fate.
1.2. Connection with Tiresias: When Tiresias reveals that Oedipus himself is the murderer of Laius, Oedipus reacts with anger and disbelief. He accuses Tiresias of being part of a conspiracy and fails to accept the prophet’s words, viewing them as false accusations rather than revelations of truth. This confrontation marks the beginning of Oedipus’s shift from confident ruler to a man grappling with unsettling truths about himself
1.2.1. oedipus is 'blind to the corruption of [his] life and has eyes yet tireseas is able to see the truth whilst being a blind prophet.This is a metaphor regarding literal blindness and metaphorical blindness. (sight vs blindness)
1.2.1.1. Sophocles develops blindness to truth through expressing other individuals' ignorance against their fate, rebelling against the gods. This shows that you can’t ignore or avoid fate, no matter how hard one fights back.
1.3. Connection with Jocasta: Initially, Jocasta is a source of comfort and reassurance for Oedipus. She tries to soothe his fears by dismissing the significance of prophecies and attempting to convince him that fate can be avoided. However, as the truth gradually emerges, Jocasta’s reaction and eventual suicide force Oedipus to confront the full horror of his actions. Her despair and death mark a turning point in Oedipus’s recognition of his tragic fate.
1.3.1. This is metaphorical
1.4. themes and symbols
1.4.1. Sophocles highlights that care comes with duty and responsibility, demonstrating the crumble of a community if that care is lost.
2. Tiresias
2.1. A blind prophet
2.1.1. A blind man prophet,yet he can see the truth (irony and metaphorical)
2.1.1.1. Sophocles emphasises that fate is inevitable, warning the Athenian Society that those who try to go against their destiny and ignore the words of gods will fall into their tragedy.
2.2. carries the burden of foresight that burdens his interactions.
2.2.1. Sophocles questions how truth is found while fate is so prevalent during ancient Greek times illustrating how fate can reveal one's truth.
2.2.1.1. is this ong?
2.3. possessing insight and foresight that is unparalleled.
2.4. Theme of action VS reflection.
3. Chorus
3.1. Providing insight into the themes and moral lessons of the play. Although not directly involved in the action, the Chorus embodies key ideas such as fate, the will of the gods, civic responsibility, and the limitations of human knowledge.
3.1.1. underscores the power of fate and the gods, serving as a reminder that the divine will cannot be escaped. Throughout the play, they reflect on the inevitability of Oedipus' tragic destiny and the broader power of prophecy
3.1.1.1. The Chorus reacts to the unfolding revelations with a sense of helplessness, stating, "Destiny guides the course of events, and there is no escape." Their reflections reinforce the inescapable nature of fate
3.1.1.1.1. Chorus embodies the play’s central theme that fate, governed by the gods, is all-powerful. They act as a moral compass, showing that human beings are bound by divine prophecy, and any attempt to circumvent it is futile
3.2. Chorus often reflects on the limits of human understanding and the dangers of pride in the pursuit of knowledge. They warn against hubris and the belief that one can outwit the gods or control destiny
3.2.1. After Oedipus' insistence on discovering the truth about his origins, the Chorus comments on how "no man can truly know himself or his fate until his final days." This suggests that self-knowledge is inherently limited and that humans are often blind to their true nature until it is too late
3.2.1.1. The Chorus embodies the tension between knowledge and ignorance, highlighting that while humans seek wisdom, there are limits to what they can understand. They act as a cautionary voice, reminding the audience of the dangers of overreaching in the quest for truth.
3.3. Chorus often reflects on the limits of human understanding and the dangers of pride in the pursuit of knowledge. They warn against hubris and the belief that one can outwit the gods or control destiny
3.3.1. After Oedipus' insistence on discovering the truth about his origins, the Chorus comments on how "no man can truly know himself or his fate until his final days." This suggests that self-knowledge is inherently limited and that humans are often blind to their true nature until it is too late
3.3.1.1. Chorus embodies the tension between knowledge and ignorance, highlighting that while humans seek wisdom, there are limits to what they can understand. They act as a cautionary voice, reminding the audience of the dangers of overreaching in the quest for truth
3.3.1.1.1. Sophocles develops blindness to truth through expressing other individuals' ignorance against their fate, rebelling against the gods. This shows that you can’t ignore or avoid fate, no matter how hard one fights back.
3.4. Chorus often reflects the concerns of Theban citizens, prioritising the well-being of the city over individual desires. Their loyalty to Thebes and their concern for the public good often guide their responses to the unfolding drama
3.4.1. At the beginning of the play, the Chorus prays to the gods for deliverance from the plague and for the preservation of the city, expressing their deep concern for the future of Thebes. Their focus remains on the stability and safety of the state
3.4.1.1. The Chorus represents the collective civic voice, concerned with the impact of personal actions on the community. They embody the idea of civic responsibility, urging that personal ambitions must be balanced with the greater good of society
3.5. The Chorus offers moral commentary on the events, particularly focusing on the dangers of pride (hubris) and the consequences of defying the gods. They reflect the Greek belief that hubris leads to downfall, a key element in Oedipus' tragedy
3.5.1. When Oedipus accuses Creon and Teiresias of conspiracy, the Chorus attempts to mediate, advising Oedipus to act with caution and humility, warning, "Pride breeds the tyrant." This highlights their role in advising moderation and their moral warnings about the dangers of arrogance
3.5.1.1. The Chorus embodies the moral lesson that excessive pride leads to ruin. Through their reflections, they warn against defiance of divine will and underscore the consequences of arrogance
3.6. Chorus often represents the collective voice of the people of Thebes, reflecting their emotional reactions to the unfolding tragedy. Their shifts from hope to despair mirror the changing fortunes of the city and its ruler
3.6.1. When Oedipus learns the full truth of his origins, the Chorus laments the tragedy, exclaiming, "O man of misery—what more can I say to match your grief?" Their reactions mirror the audience's horror and empathy
3.6.1.1. The Chorus embodies the emotional heart of the play, serving as a voice for the community's suffering and reactions. They provide a collective, human response to the tragic events, representing both pity and fear, the emotional core of Greek tragedy
3.7. the Chorus frequently engages in philosophical reflections on human existence, the unpredictability of life, and the moral lessons to be learned from the tragedy. Their role as moral commentators elevates the play’s ethical dimensions
3.7.1. After Oedipus’ fall, the Chorus delivers one of the most famous lines of the play: "Count no man happy until he dies, free of pain at last." This expresses a deeply philosophical reflection on the nature of happiness and human suffering
3.7.1.1. The Chorus embodies the moral and philosophical inquiry at the heart of the play, suggesting that true wisdom comes from accepting the limitations of human life and the inevitability of suffering
3.8. A group of Theban elders
3.9. Praying/believing for the best
3.9.1. The chorus is much more respectful of prophecy and oracles because the gift of foresight is something that would come from the gods. It is often associated with the god Apollo, and so to disrespect the oracles or their prophecies is, in essence, to dishonor the gods themselves. The Chorus is full of individuals who call upon the gods for aid, and they advise Oedipus to call upon Teiresias, the prophet, because he "sees eye to eye / With our lord Phoebus." Jocasta, then, is at odds with them.
3.9.2. At the beginning of the play, the chorus prays to the gods yet they still seek help from oedpius who cannot 'equal the gods' to get rid of the plague.
3.9.2.1. the chorus provides insight and represents thebens who rely upon the gods and offer their perspective of those who defy the divine powers through an emotional lens
4. Jocasta
4.1. another charcater with excessive pride who thought that she defated her prophecies.
4.1.1. When she tells Oedipus not to worry about prophecies, explaining that "the prophecy never came true" regarding Laius' death. Her skepticism highlights the tension between human agency and the inevitability of fate.
4.1.1.1. V/V- Jocasta’s role shows how the denial of fate does not alter its course, embodying the tragic inevitability of the prophecy.
4.1.1.1.1. Descriptive language: As Jocasta is described as ‘frantic’ and ‘slamming [doors] behind her’, Sophocles utilises body language to express how disobedience of the divine contributes to the consequence of catastrophic fear that results in the collapse of one's sanity. By positioning the messenger to be the person who describes Jocasta's last moments, Sophocles signifies the power divine forces have over one's mental wellbeing, suggesting the abidance of religion in turn is what upholds one's sense of self.
4.1.1.2. Person
4.1.2. “I come with prayers and offerings.” jocasta, who disregards the gods, makes a prayer
4.2. action and consequnecs: her decsion of disregarding her parental reponsibility ends up contributing to fulfillment of prophecy.
4.2.1. When Jocasta intercedes in the argument between Oedipus and Creon, she demonstrates her diplomatic strength, urging for calm and resolution.
4.2.1.1. Jocasta embodies the tension between female influence and the limitations placed on women in Greek society, highlighting the constraints of gender roles.
4.2.1.2. Jocasta’s character highlights the fragility of human relationships and the complexities of identity when familial roles are blurred. Her tragedy underscores the moral chaos of the play.
4.2.2. her consequence was to become "a wife who shared [Oedious' and Laius']" seeds.
4.3. She is a good wife to Oedipus, comforting him when he is stressed, and she reassures him."id never displease you”
4.3.1. while she fails her marternal duties she is a good wife. Always wanting her husband/ son sucess.
4.4. Jocasta's dual roles as both mother and wife to Oedipus are central to her character’s tragedy. Her relationship with Oedipus becomes a symbol of broken familial bonds and the moral consequences of actions unknowingly committed.
4.4.1. Her realisation of the truth—that she has married her son—is marked by her immediate horror and subsequent suicide.
5. Creon
5.1. Oedipus believes hes trying to plot against him
5.1.1. “Scheming to steal my crown and power”
5.1.1.1. Oedipus' growth of hubris and pride when pursuing the truth leads him to become unreasonable - demonstrates the control of pride over ones actions
5.2. brother of jocasta
5.3. Reprents himself as someone who doesnt care about power but his reveals his real intention at the end of the play.
5.3.1. when Oedipus' prophecies are revaled and he steps up as the next King, which highlights his real intention of wanting power.
5.3.1.1. Sophocles highlights that care comes with duty and responsibility, demonstrating the crumble of a community if that care is lost.
5.4. becomes king at the end of the play
5.4.1. A literal example of how restoring religion in ones community grants you the things you desire- 'oh no i dont want thy responsibility' - Ms' direct quote idk
5.4.1.1. Sophocles shows how self discovery and accepting consequences of one's actions provides context of how truth is seen within Oedipus the King.
5.5. Next to throne
5.6. Crean juxtapose Oedipus from being humble to the gods and Oedipus being prideful
6. Messenger - The one who reveals it all!
6.1. Brings news to people
6.2. honest
6.2.1. The messenger from Corinth informs Oedipus that King Polybus and Queen Merope of Corinth were not his actual parents. The messenger himself gave Oedipus as a baby to the Corinthian king and queen. He got the baby from a Theban shepherd whom he met in the woods. Oedipus's ankles were pinned together at the time in Greek, the name "Oedipus" means "swollen ankles."
6.2.1.1. his name translating to swollen ankles is symbolic of how his movements have been constrained since birth.In particular his futile attempts to escape his tragic fate.
6.3. reveals the truth
7. Shepherd
7.1. The Shepherd is directly linked to the fulfillment of the prophecy. He was ordered to leave baby Oedipus on the mountainside to die, but his choice to save the child ironically ensures the prophecy's realisation.
7.1.1. The Shepherd, when confronted by Oedipus, reveals that he disobeyed Queen Jocasta’s orders by giving the infant Oedipus to a messenger rather than leaving him to die. This decision ultimately leads to Oedipus living out the prophecy.
7.1.1.1. The Shepherd represents the inescapability of fate, no matter how much characters try to avert it. Despite his good intentions in sparing Oedipus’ life, his actions only reinforce the inevitability of the prophecy. Fate operates beyond human control or morality.
7.2. Shepherd embodies the painful tension between concealing and revealing the truth. He knows Oedipus’ true origins but is deeply reluctant to share this information, understanding the devastating consequences it will bring.
7.2.1. When Oedipus presses him for the truth, the Shepherd hesitates, saying, "I’m at the brink of frightful speech!" His fear highlights the destructive power of truth in this tragedy.
7.2.1.1. The Shepherd represents human reluctance to confront difficult truths. In Oedipus the King, truth is dangerous and leads to downfall, and the Shepherd’s reluctance shows the moral dilemma of whether it is better to reveal or conceal such knowledge.
7.3. While the Shepherd’s actions were motivated by compassion, they ultimately contribute to the catastrophic events that unfold. His decision to save Oedipus raises questions about moral responsibility—did he do the right thing by saving the child, or would it have been more ethical to follow orders and leave Oedipus to die?
7.3.1. The Shepherd expresses regret when forced to admit his role in saving Oedipus. His sorrow and guilt reflect the moral ambiguity of his decision.
7.3.1.1. The Shepherd embodies the complexities of moral responsibility in the play. His actions, though seemingly virtuous, contribute to a greater tragedy. He reflects the idea that moral decisions may have unforeseen consequences, and in the context of fate, even compassionate acts can lead to disaster.
7.4. As a servant, the Shepherd contrasts with the royal figures of the play. His humble status reflects how ordinary people are often caught up in the grand designs of fate and power, powerless to affect the larger narrative but nonetheless implicated in it.
7.4.1. The Shepherd is treated with disdain and coercion by Oedipus during their confrontation, reflecting his lower status in the social hierarchy, despite holding the key to the central mystery.
7.4.1.1. The Shepherd’s role suggests that even the most ordinary people are deeply involved in the unfolding of fate. He symbolises the powerlessness of common individuals in the face of larger, cosmic forces beyond their control.
7.5. Old man (knowledgable)
7.6. Wiitnessed King Lauis death
7.7. He is also a victim to fate. his fate was to watch oedipus' downfall. however he saved him instaed of killing him. later in future he is the one who reveals the truth of Oedipus' "orgion" to him and watches his downfall. FATE
7.8. Loyal servant
8. hahs
9. Fate & Free Will
9.1. The inevitability of fate and the tension between destiny and human effort are central to Oedipus the King. Despite Oedipus’ and Jocasta’s efforts to avoid the prophecy, they unwittingly fulfill it, suggesting that fate is inescapable.
9.1.1. Irony: The dramatic irony in the play is significant, as the audience knows from the beginning that Oedipus is the cause of the very plague he seeks to cure. This deepens the sense of fate's inescapability, as every step Oedipus takes to avoid his destiny leads him closer to fulfilling it.
9.1.2. Foreshadowing: The frequent references to the prophecy early in the play foreshadow the tragic revelation. For example, when Oedipus curses the murderer of Laius, he unknowingly curses himself, signaling the power of fate.
9.1.3. The Crossroads: The crossroads where Oedipus killed Laius is a powerful symbol of fate. It represents the pivotal moment in Oedipus’ life, where his attempt to escape his destiny brings him directly into contact with it. It shows the illusion of choice in the face of predestined events.