The fall of the house of Oedipus is the classic description of the course of events that occur throughout the classic Greek trilogy written by Sophocles. As we read the plays Oedipus Rex, and Oedipus at Colonus, we closely examined the changes that Oedipus underwent over the time that elapsed between them. These changes are asserted through Oedipus's own words as well as by the words of those around him. These changes strongly involve Oedipus's attitude toward the gods, his family, and his own mortality and the limitations of it.
             Oedipus Rex opens with Oedipus in high standing as king of Thebes. Having alleviated the great city of the afflictions placed upon it by the Sphinx, he is revered by all of his subjects and these lines spoken early in the play summarize these feelings:
             "It is because on life's unequal stage
             we see you as first of men and consummate
             Not primed by us, not taught by hidden lore,
             But god-inspired, we so believe...
             So, Oedipus, you most respected king,
             We plead with you to find for us a cure:
             Some answer breathed from heaven, perhaps
             Or even enlightenment from man.
             For still me see the prowess of your well proven mind,
             It is clear that Oedipus's subjects have the utmost respect for Oedipus and value his word second only to the word of the gods. In many instances, these people interpret Oedipus as emissary between themselves and the gods, holding the belief that the gods speak to them through Oedipus. This is especially fortified when the priest says, "some answer breathed from heaven perhaps". The significance of this line is that the priest indicates that Oedipus may have some higher connection to the gods than the people themselves may.
             This relationship between ruler and subjects leaves room for Oedipus to inflate his view of himself and also prompts him to value
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