In Sopohocles' tragedy "Oedipus the King", Oedipus proclaims " it was I who
             have pronounced these curses on myself" (Madden 37). With this announcement,
             Oedipus is aware that his pursuit for order has led to a life of chaos. The central thesis is
             that the presumption of order establishes physical, intellectual, and spiritual chaos. The
             text's reference to the sphinx, Oedipus, and Tiresias creates this notion. These three
             literal signifiers are the metaphoric symbolizers of physical, intellectual, and spiritual
             The concept of physical chaos is first introduced during the first speech of the
             priest when reference is made to the "harsh singer" (Madden 37), the sphinx. In greek
             mythology, the sphinx is recognised as a hybrid creature with a woman's head, a lion's
             body, an eagle's wings, and a serpent's tail. In reality, "the virgin with the crooked
             talons" (Madden 48), is a unique archetype for many things in one single being. The
             sphinx is an epitome of destruction and chaos who establishes "the tax [they] had to pay
             [her]" (Madden 17) because she devourers all who fail to answer her riddle. Her
             domination of Thebes causes havoc and melancholic responses that are directly related
             to the degree of her physical chaos. The confrontation between Oedipus and the sphinx
             ends with the latter destroying herself, "the winged maiden came against him: he was
             seen then to be skilled" (Madden 29), due to Oedipus answering her riddle. By
             destroying herself, the sphinx makes it possible for the oracles to come true. With her
             reign of terror at an end, the sphinx makes it possible for Oedipus to continue with his
             life in pursuit of order. Chaos is established because of the opportunity for the
             prophecies to become an actuality. The physical appearance of the sphinx and her self-
             destruction foreshadow chaos for Oedipus in the near future.
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