Oedipus Rex - Summary & Key Plot Points
OEDIPUS REX (OEDIPUS THE KING) Author: Sophocles Date of Composition: Around 429 BCE Genre: Greek Tragedy Setting: Thebes Summary: "Oedipus Rex" by Sophocles is a renowned Greek tragedy that explores the themes of fate, free will, and the consequences of ignorance. The play opens with the city of Thebes suffering from a devastating plague, and the citizens beseech their king, Oedipus, to find a solution. Oedipus, known for his intelligence and determination, vows to uncover the source of the plague and end the suffering. The oracle at Delphi reveals that the plague is a result of a pollution within the city, caused by the unknown murderer of the previous king, Laius. To resolve the crisis, Oedipus launches an investigation, swearing to find and punish the murderer. Little does he know that he is setting in motion a series of events that will unravel the fabric of his own life. As Oedipus delves into the mystery, he discovers that he unknowingly fulfilled a prophecy: that he would k…
