Script Analysis of Oedipus the King

Script Analysis of Oedipus Rex

The complete fate of "Oedipus Rex," is foreshadowed by Teiresias, the prophet in Scene II:

But it will soon be shown that he is a Theban,

A revelation that will fail to please. A blind man,

Who has his eyes now; a penniless man, who is rich now;

And he will go tapping the strange earth with his staff

To the children with whom he lives now he will be

Brother and father- the very same; to her

Who bore him, son and husband- the very same

Who came to his father's bed, wet with his father's blood.

(42.75-88)

This paper will discuss the elements of Scene II from "Oedipus Rex," a play by Sophocles. The script analysis will include: a list of events from the development through to the climax of the story, interaction with other characters, the significance of the setting, allusion, as well as the unpredictability of drama interest through the character of Teiresias.

In Scene II of "Oedipus Rex," the plot begins in the heart of murder. A King (Laios) has been murdered, and Oedipus seeks retribution. The city of Thebes is suffering from a plague, which is symbolic of the blight about to befall Oedipus. He sends for Teiresias, a blind prophet, to aid his search for the assassin. Teiresias avoids the discussion, for he has envisioned the bleak truth: "Let me go home. Bear your own fate, and I'll bear mine. It is better so: trust what I say." (40. 62-64) Oedipus presses Teiresias for information, and after much prodding, the prophet concedes; revealing that Oedipus has through circumstance, killed his father and married his mother. Oedipus becomes very angry throughout the revelation. He questions the validity of the prophet's skill. Oedipus believes that the prophet has sided with his r...

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...er of Oedipus. Teiresias gives insight into the ill fate that awaits Oedipus. Foreshadowing is the main theme of this scene, which sets the tone for the rest of "Oedipus Rex." The dramatic elements of the interaction between Teiresias and Oedipus, the setting, allusion, as well as the unpredictable outcome, leave the reader absorbed in the content of the play. The reader eagerly anticipates the fate and struggle of Oedipus, as he journeys towards the awareness that will consume him.

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Work Cited

Sophocles. "Oedipus Rex", Masterpieces of the Drama, 4th ed.

Eds. Alexander W. Allison, Arthur J. Carr. Arthur M. Eastman. New York: Macmillan, 1979.

Bibliography:

Work Cited

Sophocles. "Oedipus Rex", Masterpieces of the Drama, 4th ed.

Eds. Alexander W. Allison, Arthur J. Carr. Arthur M. Eastman. New York: Macmillan, 1979.