How can Oedipus be clear of guilt in 'Oedipus Rex'?

Answer 1

If he has no intent or previous knowledge then Oedipus is clear of guilt in "Oedipus Rex" by Sophocles (495 B.C.E. - 405 B.C.E.).

Specifically, Oedipus commits five criminal acts right in a row when he kills Laius and four of the king's five member escort party. He commits the first murder in self-defense. He most likely commits the next four murders in self-defense since he is outnumbered. He then goes on to commit incest with Laius' widowed queen since Jocasta is his mother. But Oedipus has no idea of the incest since he believes his foster parents, Corinthian monarchs Polybus and Merope, to be his biological parents.

Answer 2

If he has no intent or previous knowledge then Oedipus is clear of guilt in "Oedipus Rex" by Sophocles (495 B.C.E. - 405 B.C.E.).

Specifically, Oedipus commits five criminal acts right in a row when he kills Laius and four of the king's five member escort party. He commits the first murder in self-defense. He most likely commits the next four murders in self-defense since he is outnumbered. He then goes on to commit incest with Laius' widowed queen since Jocasta is his mother. But Oedipus has no idea of the incest since he believes his foster parents, Corinthian monarchs Polybus and Merope, to be his biological parents.