The Consequences Of The Truth In Oedipus The King

“The greatest griefs are those we cause ourselves.” (Sophocles 67) In Sophocles Greek tragedy Oedipus Rex, Oedipus and a majority of characters are responsible for their own grievances. A distorted version of the truth that destructively affects others arises from this. Oedipus reconstructs his reality in a way that leaves him ignorant to the truth, and ultimately leads to his downfall. This is demonstrated through decisions to run from fate, hubris, and recognition of the truth.

In order to further their own purposes and interests, various characters decide to run from their fates. Oedipus’ first decision to run from his fate is completed both physically and mentally. When he leaves Corinth and his family Oedipus explains, “And so, for all these years I have kept clear of Corinth, and no harm

After visiting Teiresias, Oedipus tells Creon, “No, not exile. It is your death I want, so that all the world may see what treason means.” (Sophocles 32) Oedipus is quick to shift the blame after Teiresais accuses Oedipus of killing Laios. His hubris does not allow him to even register that Teiresias words might be true. Oedipus’ parents from Corinth also influence his hubris when he questions them about the prophecy, he says, “The next day I visited my father and mother, and questioned them. They stormed calling it all slanderous rant of a fool.” (Sophocles 42) Their ignorance to the truth allows Oedipus to disbelieve in prophecies and reconstruct his reality. Iocaste is also and influencer, as when Oedipus brings up his worries about the prophecies she responds, “How many men, in dreams, have lain with their mothers! No reasonable man is troubled by such things.” (Sophocles 50) She also tries persuades Oedipus to not fret over the prophecy, allowing him to reconstruct reality to his advantage. It is through his parents from Corinth, Iocaste, and himself that allows in the aid of his