Sophocles' Oedipus the King as Nothing More Than a Detective Story

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Sophocles' Oedipus the King as Nothing More Than a Detective Story

The play “Oedipus the King” is a Greek tragedy written by Sophocles in

the early days of antiquity and is based upon an ancient story in

Greek mythology. It was written around a time when Rome was in power

and Athens was the centre of the world. In this time, people believed

that the Gods controlled all and that fate and destiny could never be

escaped.

Based on the title of this essay, I do believe that the play “Oedipus

the King” contains some of the qualities that a detective story holds,

however I do not think it entirely mirrors one.

As with any story, a good plot is essential. It is just as important

for the effectiveness of the tale that the plot structure supports the

plot and compliments it well. There are two types of plot structures,

simple and complex. A simple plot structure is defined as being

continuous and unitary but has a transformation, which occurs without

any reversal or recognition. The reversal of a plot is defined as a

complete swing in the direction of the action. This reversal is shown

in “Oedipus the King” when the messenger who comes bringing news with

the intention of helping the situation. Instead, he proves to be the

start of many bad things to come. Recognition in a plot means a

change from ignorance to knowledge. This is very true about Oedipus’

character when the recognition comes as a result of him being told,

“Polybus is no kin of yours”

This is the catalyst for all the events that follow and lead to his

dramatic downfall. A complex plot structure includes both the

reversal and recognition, like the play “Oedipu...

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... sympathy for the characters and its protagonist. It motivates the

audience and readers by arising questions, and uses devices that

utilise the suspense and the effect of dramatic irony.

It is true that many of the aspects of this play could maybe conclude

in it being classed as a detective story. Although there are some

points that could class it as one I do not consider it entirely a

detective story. This is due to the fact that the audience is already

aware of Oedipus’ fate at the start of the play; they can already see

the dramatic irony that Oedipus cannot see. I think that Sophocles is

trying to engage his audience, trying to make them wonder and question

aspects of the play. He indeed enforces some important lessons, but

overall I think that “Oedipus the King” is much more than just a

detective story.

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