Oedipus Rex

Summary

Oedipus Rex is a tragedy by the ancient Greek poet Sophocles, telling the story of Oedipus, the king of Thebes, who, in an attempt to avoid the fate foretold by the Oracle of Delphi—to kill his father and marry his mother—unknowingly fulfills the prophecy. Despite all his efforts to escape this dreadful fate, Oedipus discovers that he has indeed killed his real father, Laius, and married his mother, Jocasta, leading to tragic consequences for himself and his family. Upon realizing the full tragedy of the events, Jocasta takes her own life, and Oedipus, in despair, blinds himself and relinquishes the throne. Themes of fate, predestination, and the quest for truth are central to this work, raising questions about the nature of human existence and the limitations of human knowledge.