As I read through the play “Oedipus the King,” written by Sophocles, I came across a lot of ironic instances. Irony is a great tool that the author used since I believe it gives the audience an opportunity to know more about the story than the characters themselves. The very first ironic scene I came across is that which Oedipus at the beginning of the play makes an oath to kill Laios’ as a way of banishing him from his kingdom. It is ironic that he came to kill him later on and I think that if he knew about that as the play began, he would not have made the oath. of dislike on Oedipus’s actions. I however believe that if he knew of the truth before, he
would not have engaged in the actions. I feel that his main aim was to find his father’s culprit but it ended up showing his weaknesses and attributes. Though the drama, was written many years back, I still think Sophocles pictures our current society as one that is unknowledgeable and blind. The drama is therefore a teaching tool that we need to be alert and cautious always, to discover ourselves and live lovingly with others.
Response to Classmate’s Post
It is very true just as my classmate stated that anytime one reads the drama, the first thing to capture is the irony in it. I agree with my classmate that the Oedipus myth, which was all over the place as the play was written played a great role in providing the audience with a clue of the characters’ identity. That is since the myth showed king Oedipus as a killer, the audience expected the same to show in the play, even though the character himself did not have an idea. My classmate also noted that the characterization and character development of the play was very strong. This was a very great Sophocles since a strong characterization, makes it easier for an audience to
understand the play as it flows easy and smooth. With all its characteristics, I agree with my classmate’s statement that the play will remain a well-known text to everybody who reads it.
