Sophocles, the playwright of Oedipus Rex, often wrote his scripts based on the events in Greek mythology, which were common knowledge to the people who viewed his productions. Oedipus Rex has been regarded as one of the greatest Sophoclean tragedies. This success is largely attributed to the brilliant interplay of dramatic irony in the play. Professor Ratcliffe of Montclair University has said this of the play's ironical value,
             "The exact nature of fate, the uncontrollable forces that influence us, is clearly shown in the role that the gods play in revealing the truth of the oracle's prophecies to Oedipus. Although he does all he can to live honestly and avoid the crimes prophesied for him, Oedipus can't escape the relentless fate that pursues him. Creon tries to manipulate fate in his favor, but he fails. Inevitably the oracle's prophecies are fulfilled."
             From the play's very beginning of the play Oedipus is ignorant of the dreadful acts he has committed: the murder of his father and marrying his mother. However, the audience is well aware of these facts. Thus, every word, every reaction of Oedipus' with regards to the murder of King Laius lends itself to dramatic irony. "The contrast between human beings seeking to control their own destiny and external forces shaping destiny is clearly depicted." (The Essential Theater, p. 70) By using irony in a play, playwrights can make a story that has perhaps been told before more interesting. Irony also entices viewers to see how the events occurring mentally affect the main character.
             "You are fated to couple with you mother, you will bring a breed of children into the light that no man can bear to see- you will kill your father, the one who gave you life." (Oedipus the King ), the God Apollo proclaimed to Oedipus. To avoid his destiny Oedipus moved to Thebes, where he succeeded the throne of the fallen King Laius. This
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