Summary Of Oedipus Rex Essays (1019 words) - Greek Mythology

Summary Of Oedipus Rex Prologue: The play opens with the citizens of Thebes gathering around the Theban palace. Oedipus the king exits the Theban palace. He inquires to a priest as to why his followers are praying and lamenting. The priest explains that they are praying to the gods to end the plague; which has struck their city. This plague had rendered crops useless, wasted all the pastures, and left woman sterile and unborn children dead. The priest begs for Oedipus help. Oedipus tells the priest that he feels the citys pain. He states the pain he endures is worse for he feels the pain of all the people of Thebes. Oedipus says that he has known of the plague for a while, and has searched the ends of his mind for an answer. He tries to ease the pain of his citizens and give them hope by telling them he has sent his brother-in-law, Creon to the oracle at Delphi. Creon appears bearing good news, the oracle knows the cause of the curse. He says that Thebes houses filth and only when this filth is banished will the plague be lifted. The filth is the murderer of the previous king, Laios. Oedipus asks Creon for the details of the kings death. Creon explains that Laios was killed as he left Thebes on a pilgrimage. He states that the only survivor said robbers killed the king. Oedipus asks why the murder was not investigated fully, and Creon explains that the Sphinx song and the problems of Thebes demanded attention first. Oedipus swears to find the killer of king Laios, not only for the citys sake but to ensure his own safety as well. Sardinha-2 Parodos : It is at this point in the play that we first meet the chorus. The chorus made up of Theban elders, expresses a sense of fear for what Oedipus might uncover. They proceed to describe the plague and the misfortunes that have fallen on the city. They also cry to the gods for their intervention. Scene I: Oedipus exits the palace and asks for the help of the citizens of Thebes in finding Laios killer. He declares that if the killer is among them he should come forward, and his sentence will be lessened. He decrees that anyone housing the truth shall be banished, and does not exclude himself from the punishment. The chorus suggests Oedipus seek the help of Teiresias, the blind prophet who can see the future. Oedipus states that he has already sent for Teiresias on the advice of Creon. When Teiresias arrives Oedipus informs him of the oracles statements and asks for his help. Teiresias says that he never should have come and asks to leave. Oedipus tells Teiresias that he will be an enemy to Thebes if he refuses to help. Once again Teiresias refuses. Oedipus is angered by the silence and lashes out at the prophet. Teiresias tells Oedipus to look within himself before placing blame on others. Oedipus declares that Teiresias is implicated in the murder of the king. Teiresias finally tells Oedipus you yourself are the pollution of this country. Teiresias says I say that you are the murderer whom you seek. These words enrage Oedipus, he calls Teiresias sightless, witless, and senseless. Oedipus charges Teiresias with fraud, and asks why a prophet could not solve the riddle of the Sphinx. Sardinha-3 Teiresias ends the scene with a riddle for Oedipus in which he states the identity of Laios murderer. The scene ends with an ode by the chorus, in which they reiterate these events of the scene. Scene II: The second scene opens with Creon speaking to the men of Thebes. He speaks unhappily of the accusations brought upon him by the king. The chorus attempts to explain the kings behavior by stating that the accusations were made in the moment of anger. Oedipus enters and upon seeing Creon continues his accusations. Creon pleads with Oedipus to believe in him. He explains that he is not after his throne. He asks Oedipus to go to the priestess at Delphi to see if he has quoted her correctly. He tells Oedipus that if he is found guilty of treason to sentence him to death. Oedipus does