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Yes, Oedipus can be regarded as responsible for the death and suffering in "Oedipus Rex" by Sophocles (495 B.C.E. - 405 B.C.E.).

Specifically, Theban King Oedipus is responsible for the death of King Laius and four of Laius' five member escort party. He most likely can enter a successful plea of self-defense since he is outnumbered. In fact, Laius and his charioteer behave badly, hurtfully and offensively. Oedipus subsequently becomes responsible for the suffering of his people because of the pestilence brought on by his neglect of mandatory cleansing rituals in the aftermath of his crimes.

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Why have the people come to Oedipus at the beginning of the play?

At the beginning of the play "Oedipus Rex," the people of Thebes come to Oedipus seeking help and guidance because the city is suffering from a devastating plague. They are desperate for a solution to the crisis, as the plague is causing widespread suffering and death. The citizens believe that Oedipus, as their king, has the power to save them and restore order to their lives. They hope he can uncover the cause of the plague and bring about a resolution.


What exposition does the priest provide in the first scene in Oedipus?

In the first scene of Sophocles' "Oedipus Rex," the priest provides crucial exposition by describing the dire state of Thebes, which is suffering from a plague. He explains that the city is afflicted by famine, disease, and death, prompting the citizens to seek help from their king, Oedipus. The priest emphasizes the desperation of the people and their hope that Oedipus, who previously saved them from the Sphinx, will again come to their rescue. This sets the stage for the unfolding tragedy as Oedipus vows to find a solution and uncover the truth behind their suffering.


What is Oedipus decree regarding the fate of the murderer?

In Sophocles' play "Oedipus Rex," Oedipus decrees that the murderer of King Laius must be punished, stating that whoever is responsible for Laius's death will face severe consequences, including exile or death. He declares that the city must be cleansed of the pollution caused by the murder to lift the plague afflicting Thebes. Oedipus vows to seek out the murderer, not realizing that he is, in fact, the culprit himself. This decree sets in motion the tragic unraveling of Oedipus's own identity and fate.


Does the messenger tell Oedipus of his father's death before or after Oedipus asked Jocasta for the details of Laius' death in 'Oedipus Rex'?

It is after Oedipus asks for details of Laius' death that the messenger tells Oedipus of his father's death in "Oedipus Rex" by Sophocles (495 B.C.E. - 405 B.C.E.).Specifically, Theban King Oedipus finds out that he must solve King Laius' murder in order for the pestilence to end in Thebes. He looks for information from Queen Jocasta, his wife and Laius' widow. Jocasta provides details on the where, when and how of Laius' death. These details in the first half of the play raise questions that begin to be answered in the second half. For example, the Corinthian messenger supplies information about the death of Corinthian King Polybus, Oedipus' presumed father.


Why are Jocasta and Oedipus joyous about the news of Polybus' death in 'Oedipus Rex'?

That Oedipus cannot be the cause and that therefore all prophecies do not come true are the reasons why Oedipus and Jocasta are joyous about the news of Polybus' death in "Oedipus Rex" by Sophocles (495 B.C.E. - 405 B.C.E.).Specifically, Theban King Oedipus fears a prophecy that he will kill his father and marry his mother. But he and his wife, Queen Jocasta, hear from a Corinthian messenger about the death of Oedipus' father, Corinthian King Polybus, from old age and illness. At the time of death, Oedipus is in Thebes and therefore nowhere near Corinth. Jocasta therefore suggests that Oedipus' dreadful prophesied fate will not come true.

Related Questions

Why have the people come to Oedipus at the beginning of the play?

At the beginning of the play "Oedipus Rex," the people of Thebes come to Oedipus seeking help and guidance because the city is suffering from a devastating plague. They are desperate for a solution to the crisis, as the plague is causing widespread suffering and death. The citizens believe that Oedipus, as their king, has the power to save them and restore order to their lives. They hope he can uncover the cause of the plague and bring about a resolution.


What evil deeds did Hitler and Stalin do?

They were both responsible for the death and suffering of millions of people.


Why is Hitler hated by many people?

Because he was responsible for the death and suffering of millions of people.


Why do people say Hitler was cruel?

Because he was responsible for the death and suffering of millions of innocent people.


What exposition does the priest provide in the first scene in Oedipus?

In the first scene of Sophocles' "Oedipus Rex," the priest provides crucial exposition by describing the dire state of Thebes, which is suffering from a plague. He explains that the city is afflicted by famine, disease, and death, prompting the citizens to seek help from their king, Oedipus. The priest emphasizes the desperation of the people and their hope that Oedipus, who previously saved them from the Sphinx, will again come to their rescue. This sets the stage for the unfolding tragedy as Oedipus vows to find a solution and uncover the truth behind their suffering.


Was Adolf Hitler a cruel man?

Since he was responsible for the death and suffering of millions of people you could certainly say he was cruel.


Does the messenger tell Oedipus of his father's death before or after Oedipus asked Jocasta for the details of Laius' death in 'Oedipus Rex'?

It is after Oedipus asks for details of Laius' death that the messenger tells Oedipus of his father's death in "Oedipus Rex" by Sophocles (495 B.C.E. - 405 B.C.E.).Specifically, Theban King Oedipus finds out that he must solve King Laius' murder in order for the pestilence to end in Thebes. He looks for information from Queen Jocasta, his wife and Laius' widow. Jocasta provides details on the where, when and how of Laius' death. These details in the first half of the play raise questions that begin to be answered in the second half. For example, the Corinthian messenger supplies information about the death of Corinthian King Polybus, Oedipus' presumed father.


How is Oedipus connected to Laius death?

he killed him


Why are Jocasta and Oedipus joyous about the news of Polybus' death in 'Oedipus Rex'?

That Oedipus cannot be the cause and that therefore all prophecies do not come true are the reasons why Oedipus and Jocasta are joyous about the news of Polybus' death in "Oedipus Rex" by Sophocles (495 B.C.E. - 405 B.C.E.).Specifically, Theban King Oedipus fears a prophecy that he will kill his father and marry his mother. But he and his wife, Queen Jocasta, hear from a Corinthian messenger about the death of Oedipus' father, Corinthian King Polybus, from old age and illness. At the time of death, Oedipus is in Thebes and therefore nowhere near Corinth. Jocasta therefore suggests that Oedipus' dreadful prophesied fate will not come true.


How do we learn about Jocasta's death and Oedipus's self-punishment?

Oedipus walks in to see Jocasta has hung herself and Oedipus stabs his eye out with Jocastas broach


Why was teiresias hesitant to share what he knew about the death of king laius?

Teiresias was hesitant to share what he knew about the death of King Laius because he understood the implications of revealing the truth and the tragic fate that awaited Oedipus. His insights into the prophecy and the dark nature of fate made him wary of exposing Oedipus to the harsh realities of his past. Additionally, Teiresias was aware that knowledge could lead to suffering, and he preferred to keep the information hidden to protect Oedipus from further pain. Ultimately, his reluctance stemmed from a desire to shield both Oedipus and Thebes from the devastating consequences that the truth might bring.


What is the problem about which citizens complain to Oedipus at the beginning of 'Oedipus Rex'?

Pestilence is the problem about which Thebans complain to Oedipus in the beginning of "Oedipus Rex" by Sophocles (495 B.C.E. - 405 B.C.E.).Specifically, ailing livestock, dying babies and failing harvests are wreaking havoc with the well-being of Thebans. Each of the suppliants in the opening scene has experience with the death, famine and suffering from the pestilence that devastates Thebes. Thebans are not finding solutions on individual or collective bases, and so they turn to Oedipus, the savior of their city from the monstrous Sphinx.