If the superiority of a work of literature is based on its ability to arouse in the reader a combination of delight and anxiety, then Sophocles has succeeded in Oedipus Rex. His work provides its readers with a healthy confusion of pleasure and disquietude. These elements contribute to the effectiveness and purpose of the story. Three major sources that produce this healthy confusion are the prophecy of Tiresias, and the arrival of the messenger from Corinth, and the character of Oedipus himself.
             Tiresias conjures up a strong sense of anxiety when he tells of the prophecy. The reader, along with Oedipus, awaits the words of this blind prophet since he could very well hold the key to unlocking the plague's mystery. Unwillingly and out of frustration from Oedipus, Tiresias says, "Is that right! Then I charge you to abide by the decree you have announced: from this day say no word to either these or me, for you are the vile polluter of this land!" (355). His bold and surprising prophecy does nothing but infuriate an already angry king. Oedipus refuses to believe in such profound accusations, and ironically he is the true suspect. The reader understands this truth and cannot help but feel disturbed and worried about the fate of Oedipus.
             The news from the messenger of Corinth seems to bring with it good fortune for Oedipus as well as closure for the reader. All along, the king's fear was that the oracle might come true. "He's not, for death has clasped him in the tomb." (947). By announcing the death of King Polybus, the messenger causes Oedipus to question the validity of the oracle. Oedipus experiences a reversal of fortune when the messenger later explains that he was not the real son of Polybus and Merope. For this reason the oracle still holds much significance and the audience's anxiety grows even more.
             Oedipus alone causes much of the reader's healt
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