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That Oedipus is one of the most tragic examples of cruel fate is a reason why the chorus says that no man can be happy until Oedipus dies in Oedipus Rex by Sophocles (495 B.C.E. - 405 B.C.E.).

Specifically, the chorus comments that the gods do not guarantee happy lives to any mortal. The gods never leave the slightest commission or omission of mortals unpunished. For example, disgraced Theban King Oedipus operates under a slew of curses just for being born into the divinely cursed Theban royal household. He will not escape a horrible fate or any divine change for additional suffering until the curse ends with his death.

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Q: Why does the Chorus say 'Count no man happy till Oedipus dies' in 'Oedipus Rex'?
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Which general lesson does the chorus draw from the example of Oedipus' life?

Smooth sailing through life as a rare human experience is the general lesson that the chorus draws from the example of Theban King Oedipus' life. The chorus indicates that a pain free existence isn't something that the gods promise mortals. So the mortal who dies without any painful memories is few and far between in earthly life.


What is Oedipus's punishment in Oedipus Rex?

Oedipus blinds himself and is banished to the mountains to be alone until he dies by the new king, who is his uncle/brother-in-law.


Why are Jocasta and Oedipus happy to hear about Polybus' death in 'Oedipus Rex'?

That Polybus dies of illness and old age and not at Oedipus' hands and that all prophecies may not come true are the reasons why the Theban royal couple, Jocasta and Oedipus, are happy to hear about the death of Oedipus' presumed father.Specifically, years before the action of the play, Oedipus hears a prophecy that he will kill his father and marry his mother. He is so horrified by the prospect and so frightened by the prophecy being carried out that he runs away from home. That he was no where near Polybus at the time of the latter's death give Oedipus and Jocasta hope that the rest of the prophecy will not come true either.


How old is Oedipus when he dies?

Oedipus did not die. He only blinded himself. At the time when he dethroned himself it is estimated he was around 50.


How Oedipus dies at Colonus?

With Theseus, Oedipus went to a grove, saluted the Sky and Earth and suddenly was just gone … Only Theseus knows where Oedipus' body is and how he died, but he is sworn to silence.

Related questions

Which general lesson does the chorus draw from the example of Oedipus' life?

Smooth sailing through life as a rare human experience is the general lesson that the chorus draws from the example of Theban King Oedipus' life. The chorus indicates that a pain free existence isn't something that the gods promise mortals. So the mortal who dies without any painful memories is few and far between in earthly life.


What is Oedipus's punishment in Oedipus Rex?

Oedipus blinds himself and is banished to the mountains to be alone until he dies by the new king, who is his uncle/brother-in-law.


Why are Jocasta and Oedipus happy to hear about Polybus' death in 'Oedipus Rex'?

That Polybus dies of illness and old age and not at Oedipus' hands and that all prophecies may not come true are the reasons why the Theban royal couple, Jocasta and Oedipus, are happy to hear about the death of Oedipus' presumed father.Specifically, years before the action of the play, Oedipus hears a prophecy that he will kill his father and marry his mother. He is so horrified by the prospect and so frightened by the prophecy being carried out that he runs away from home. That he was no where near Polybus at the time of the latter's death give Oedipus and Jocasta hope that the rest of the prophecy will not come true either.


How old is Oedipus when he dies?

Oedipus did not die. He only blinded himself. At the time when he dethroned himself it is estimated he was around 50.


How Oedipus dies at Colonus?

With Theseus, Oedipus went to a grove, saluted the Sky and Earth and suddenly was just gone … Only Theseus knows where Oedipus' body is and how he died, but he is sworn to silence.


Who was the king of Thebes before Oedipus took the job?

Cadmus, he dies obviously


What happened last Oedipus frees Thebes from sphinx or Oedipus is left in the wilderness to die?

He is forced to leave thebes and dies at colonus near athens


What crown is Oedipus offered when Polybus dies in 'Oedipus Rex'?

The crown and the throne of Corinth are what Oedipus is offered when Polybus dies in "Oedipus Rex" by Sophocles (495 B.C.E. - 405 B.C.E.).Specifically, King Polybus and Queen Merope of Corinth raise subsequent Theban King Oedipus in the belief that he is their only son and heir apparent. The childless royal couple has no one other than Oedipus to succeed in the rule of the Corinthian royal house. A Corinthian messenger therefore travels to Thebes to inform Oedipus of Polybus' death and of the job opening in Corinth.


What does Theseus do for Oedipus in 'Oedipus at Colonus'?

Protect him and his daughters from Thebans and escort him to his death place are what Theseus does for Oedipus in "Oedipus at Colonus" by Sophocles (495 B.C.E. - 405 B.C.E.).Specifically, disgraced King Oedipus ends up just outside Athens after years in exile from his Theban hometown. According to the Delphic oracle, Oedipus is a good luck charm to wherever he dies. Creon, Oedipus' brother-in-law and former royal colleague, and Eteocles, Oedipus' own son, attempt to separate Oedipus from his daughters, the Princesses Antigone and Ismene, and to force Oedipus to be buried in an unmarked grave that will bring good fortune to Thebes. But Theseus asserts his authority and power as King of Athens and as Oedipus' protector and thereby receives the good fortune inherent in being the only person to know how and where Oedipus dies.


How is Laius related to Oedipus in 'Oedipus Rex'?

As father to son is the way in which Laius is related to Oedipus in "Oedipus Rex" by Sophocles (495 B.C.E. - 405 B.C.E.).Specifically, Theban King Laius is married just once before he dies. His wife is Queen Jocasta. The royal couple's only child is Oedipus.


Who kills Oedipus in 'Oedipus Rex'?

No one kills Oedipus in "Oedipus Rex" by Sophocles (495 B.C.E. - 405 B.C.E.).Specifically, the play ends without the audience learning whether disgraced former Theban King Oedipus will be executed or exiled for criminal acts and immoral behavior. Instead, Oedipus' death is the subject of "Oedipus at Colonus" by the same ancient Greek dramatist. According to the latter play, Oedipus dies the special death of being here one minute and then gone the next.


Does Oedipus die at the end of 'Oedipus Rex'?

No, Theban King Oedipus doesn't die at the end of 'Oedipus Rex'. The play ends with his blinding himself and waiting to hear whether he'll be executed or exiled. The King's exile and ultimate death is covered in 'Oedipus at Colonus'. That's the sequel to 'Oedipus Rex'. It's at Colonus that Oedipus dies. It's also where the play's writer, Sophocles [c. 496 B.C.E. - c. 406 B.C.E.], grows up and his family is from.