Oedipus the King

In Sophocles’ epic tragedy, Oedipus the King, the protagonist, Oedipus brings about his own downfall. His relationship with his friend, uncle, and brother-in-law, Creon, reflects his emotions that led to his ruin. They go through three main stages in their relationship - trust, hate, and pity. As they progress from one stage to the next, the play evolves into a well-known epic tragedy.

In the opening, the audience learns the city of Thebes is in the midst of a devastating plague and of the strong relationship between Oedipus and Creon. To get answers, Oedipus sends Creon to Delphi to learn from Apollo what must be done. This act shows that Oedipus holds Creon in high esteem. He entrusted him to make the journey to learn the fate of Thebes. When Creon arrives, Oedipus greets him happily with “Creon, prince, my kinsman, what do you bring us?” (1292, l. 97). Creon continues to inform him that in order for Thebes to escape the plague, they must solve the murder of Laius, the former King and unknown father of Oedipus (1290-2, ll. 1-164). However, Oedipus’ trust and loyalty in Creon doesn’t last long.

As the tragedy continues, we meet Tiresias, the blind prophet and witness Oedipus and Creon’s relati

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