Theme Of Oedipus The King

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Introducing a Theme of Oedipus the King


Hugh H. Paschal states, “ Idea is often equated to theme, the central meaning of a literary work” (67). Important ideas in literature might be found in several persuasive areas such as “ the arts, the environment, politics and government, religion and morality.” (Paschal 67). A literary work can present more than one of these ideas. For example, in Sophocles’ Oedipus the King he conveys the idea that truth is sometimes better undiscovered. Sophocles illustrates this idea in several dialogues between characters. The first illustration is the dialogue between Tiresias the prophet and Oedipus. Then there is the discourse between the messenger and Oedipus. Finally, the dialogue between Jocasta and Oedipus proves that some secrets should stay unexplored. Sophocles uses dialogue between Oedipus and the three distinct characters to present the idea that the hidden truth should sometimes stay concealed.

The first dialogue is an illustration of an idea was placed in the dialogue between Oedipus the King and Tiresias, the Prophet. “Whether the words of characters support or oppose the author’s own view, they still may address the work’s ideas” (Paschal 72). Oedipus the King calls for Tiresias, this beckoning of him was to help release Thebes from the

plague, but he states “I will never reveal my dreadful secret” (Sophocles 1234). At this point Oedipus makes the first mistake; he forces Tiresias to tell him who is the cause of the ruin of Thebes. Oedipus finds out in his extreme state of anger that he is the one thought so badly of, the killer of Laius. He does not realize that this was the start of all the secrets that should have been kept concealed. Sophocles successfully shows that these secrets should have been and in many ways where tried to be kept concealed from Oedipus.

In the second exchange of words between the messenger and Oedipus is “deadly...