Oedipus Rex by Sophocles – Kitab Mahal

Oedipus Rex, also known as Oedipus the King, is a Greek tragedy written by the playwright Sophocles. It is one of the most famous works in the history of Western literature and is considered a classic of the genre. The play centers on Oedipus, the king of Thebes, who seeks to rid his city of a plague, only to uncover a horrifying truth about his own identity. It explores themes of fate, free will, and the consequences of human actions, with a tragic and inevitable conclusion.

Key Points

1. Tragic Hero: Oedipus is a classic example of a tragic hero, whose downfall is caused by his own actions and fate, leading to an inevitable and tragic end.
2. Theme of Fate vs. Free Will: The play delves into the tension between fate and free will, with Oedipus attempting to avoid his fate, but ultimately fulfilling it.
3. Dramatic Irony: A key feature of the play is dramatic irony, where the audience knows more than the characters, especially about Oedipus's true identity and his role in the murder of his father.
4. The Plague in Thebes: The city of Thebes is suffering from a plague, and Oedipus's quest to save his people is central to the plot. The plague symbolizes the consequences of unresolved guilt and moral corruption.
5. The Role of Prophecy: The prophecy foretold that Oedipus would kill his father and marry his mother, a prediction that drives much of the play's action, highlighting the inevitability of fate.

                                                     ════ ⋆★⋆ ═══

Writer                 ✤     Sophocles 

Publishers           ✤    Kitab Mahal (Pvt) Ltd , KM