Oedpus Rex

Oedipus Rex is a Greek tragedy written by Sophocles based upon an ancient story in Greek mythology. Sophocles, knowing that his audience is aware of the outcome of the play, creates various situations in which dramatic and verbal irony play key roles. Irony then plays a key part in the Oedipus Rex tragedy. The downfall of Oedipus happens due to the tragic flaw of his character. His need to know the truth, and have the proof that it was indeed the truth also led to his ruin.

Oedipus took great pride in saving people and being seen a hero. He wanted the death of Laius to be avenged and he had to be the one to find the murderer and punish him. "I'll fight for him, I'll leave no means untried, to cach the one who did it with his hand..." (Literature, Oedipus the King, Ln. 270-271, page 1081) He did not want to let the people of Thebes down, and he wanted to show that he would be a true hero once again.
Oedipus was in pursuit of the truth to find out what really hap...