Dramatic Irony In Oedipus The King

In the drama, “Oedipus Rex” by Sophocles, is a Greek tragedy about a king investigating the murder of the former late king, only to find out it was himself. The author presents dramatic irony thought out the story. Dramatic irony is when audience or reader is aware of the situation and outcome before the charters in the book or play know. Sophocles’ uses this to advantage from the beginning of the drama to create suspense throughout the story of when the rest of the cast would realize the truth.

The story begins with King Oedipus going out to his people assuring them that the plague would soon go away as soon as they find out what the Sphinx wanted. They thought that it was signed that Apollo wanted to find the person that killed the late king Laios. Although the audience is aware that the king was killed by Oedipus, he on the other hand is not. Oedipus is curious about the late king and wanted to

investigate. There is a dramatic irony when Oedipus talked with Creon states and states that, “I learned of him from others; I never saw him.” (Page 8) Well in fact the audience knows that Oedipus and Laios crossed paths and Oedipus killed him over a conversation that could have been settled. The only thing that Oedipus knows that he killed someone, but not that it was Laios, the one he murder. In the accident that Laios one servant survived.
Oedipus is now certain that he was meant to look for the person that killed the late king Laios, years ago. The irony is that he will be searching for himself. The audience anticipates when Oedipus will find out. In the same conversation Oedipus said,
“As for the criminal, I pray to God
Whether it be a lurking thief, or one of a number-
I pray that that man's life be consumed in evil and wretchedness.
And as for me, this curse applies no less
If it should turn out that the culprit is my guest here.
Sharing my hearth.”
Oedipus (page 14)
Only the audience knows that he was casting this own fate.

In the same conversation he assumes that Laios did not have any kids when Oedipus says “if Laios had luck fatherhood! I say I take the son’s part, just as though I were his son, to press the fight for him and see it won!” (Page 14) The audience, Iocaste and the shepherd are the only one that knows that Laios had a child. Unfortunately, they think that the child is dead, only we know that child was given to another family that could have any.

Oedipus asked for Teiresias, a blind man that is gifted from Apollo to receive visions of truth. Oedipus thought that Teiresias was crazy talking and not making senses and wasting his time. Then Teiresias was unset and told Oedipus, “I say that you are the murderer whom you seek.” (Page 20) This is dramatic irony because Teiresias states the truth, but Oedipus thinks that the other man is saying this to get a reaction. Oedipus was upset and sent him away. Teiresias mocks Oedipus on his way out stating that he is as blind from the truth that is presented in front

him.
Oedipus accuses Creon, bother of Iocasta, of wanting his crown because he sent him a foolish man. They were interrupted by the shepherd, that knew the king and told Oedipus that Laios did have a son, and they went to an oracle and stated that the boy would grow up to murder his father and marry his mother, so they decide to kill the baby. The shepherd was a good and gave it to family that could not have a child. Iocaste stated o piece in the puzzle before Oedipus could and begged him to stop asking question. The king thinks that it had to do about social classes, so he told her that it was going to be ok.