Dramatic Irony In Oedipus The King

In the drama, “Oedipus Rex” by Sophocles, is a Greek tragedy about a king investigating the murder of the former late king, only to find out it was himself. The author presents dramatic irony thought out the story. Dramatic irony is when audience or reader is aware of the situation and outcome before the charters in the book or play know. Sophocles’ uses this to advantage from the beginning of the drama to create suspense throughout the story of when the rest of the cast would realize the truth. The story begins with King Oedipus going out to his people assuring them that the plague would soon go away as soon as they find out what the Sphinx wanted. They thought that it was signed that Apollo wanted to find the person that killed the late king Laios. Although the audience is aware that the king was killed by Oedipus, he on the other hand is not. Oedipus is curious about the late king and wanted to

In the same conversation he assumes that Laios did not have any kids when Oedipus says “if Laios had luck fatherhood! I say I take the son’s part, just as though I were his son, to press the fight for him and see it won!” (Page 14) The audience, Iocaste and the shepherd are the only one that knows that Laios had a child. Unfortunately, they think that the child is dead, only we know that child was given to another family that could have any. Oedipus asked for Teiresias, a blind man that is gifted from Apollo to receive visions of truth. Oedipus thought that Teiresias was crazy talking and not making senses and wasting his time. Then Teiresias was unset and told Oedipus, “I say that you are the murderer whom you seek.” (Page 20) This is dramatic irony because Teiresias states the truth, but Oedipus thinks that the other man is saying this to get a reaction. Oedipus was upset and sent him away. Teiresias mocks Oedipus on his way out stating that he is as blind from the truth that is presented in front