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In Sophocles' play "Oedipus Rex," rumors surrounding King Laius's death suggest he was murdered by bandits at a crossroads. However, Oedipus learns from the oracle that Laius was actually killed by a man, which leads him to investigate further. As the plot unfolds, it becomes clear that Oedipus himself is the unwitting murderer, having fulfilled the prophecy of killing his father. These rumors set the stage for the tragic revelations that define the play.

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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 does Oedipus doubt what Teiresias told him about Laius' identity in the play 'Oedipus Rex'?

That he does not see how Laius can be both his father and victim are the reasons why Oedipus doubts what Teiresias tells him about Laius' identity in "Oedipus Rex" by Sophocles (495 B.C.E. - 405 B.C.E.).Specifically, Teiresias the blind prophet says that Oedipus is the killer of his father and of his royal predecessor. Oedipus never remembers meeting Laius. Additionally, he believes himself to be Corinthian born even though in his youth he hears rumors of his presumed parents, Corinthian monarchs Polybus and Merope, not being his biological parents.


Who is said to be most concerned with the fate of Laius murder?

In Sophocles' play "Oedipus Rex," it is Oedipus himself who is most concerned with the fate of Laius's murder. Driven by a desire to rid Thebes of the plague that has befallen the city, Oedipus vows to find and punish Laius's killer. His determination to uncover the truth ultimately leads to his own tragic discovery regarding his identity and his role in Laius's death.


Why is it ironic that Oedipus curses laius's is murderer?

It is ironic that Oedipus curses Laius's murderer because he is, in fact, unknowingly cursing himself. In his quest to rid Thebes of the plague caused by Laius's death, Oedipus seeks to find and punish the killer, not realizing that he is the one responsible for Laius's murder. This dramatic irony highlights the tragic fate of Oedipus, as he tries to escape his destiny but ultimately fulfills it. His determination to find the truth leads to his own downfall, underscoring the theme of fate versus free will in the play.


Why is it ironic that Oedipus curses Laius's murderer?

It is ironic that Oedipus curses Laius's murderer because he is unknowingly cursing himself. Oedipus, in his quest to rid Thebes of the plague caused by Laius's death, does not realize that he is the very person he seeks to punish. His determination to find and punish the culprit ultimately leads to his own tragic discovery and downfall. This dramatic irony underscores the themes of fate and self-discovery in the play.

Related Questions

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 does Oedipus doubt what Teiresias told him about Laius' identity in the play 'Oedipus Rex'?

That he does not see how Laius can be both his father and victim are the reasons why Oedipus doubts what Teiresias tells him about Laius' identity in "Oedipus Rex" by Sophocles (495 B.C.E. - 405 B.C.E.).Specifically, Teiresias the blind prophet says that Oedipus is the killer of his father and of his royal predecessor. Oedipus never remembers meeting Laius. Additionally, he believes himself to be Corinthian born even though in his youth he hears rumors of his presumed parents, Corinthian monarchs Polybus and Merope, not being his biological parents.


Who is said to be most concerned with the fate of Laius murder?

In Sophocles' play "Oedipus Rex," it is Oedipus himself who is most concerned with the fate of Laius's murder. Driven by a desire to rid Thebes of the plague that has befallen the city, Oedipus vows to find and punish Laius's killer. His determination to uncover the truth ultimately leads to his own tragic discovery regarding his identity and his role in Laius's death.


Why is it ironic that Oedipus curses laius's is murderer?

It is ironic that Oedipus curses Laius's murderer because he is, in fact, unknowingly cursing himself. In his quest to rid Thebes of the plague caused by Laius's death, Oedipus seeks to find and punish the killer, not realizing that he is the one responsible for Laius's murder. This dramatic irony highlights the tragic fate of Oedipus, as he tries to escape his destiny but ultimately fulfills it. His determination to find the truth leads to his own downfall, underscoring the theme of fate versus free will in the play.


Why is it ironic that Oedipus curses Laius's murderer?

It is ironic that Oedipus curses Laius's murderer because he is unknowingly cursing himself. Oedipus, in his quest to rid Thebes of the plague caused by Laius's death, does not realize that he is the very person he seeks to punish. His determination to find and punish the culprit ultimately leads to his own tragic discovery and downfall. This dramatic irony underscores the themes of fate and self-discovery in the play.


Why did Oedipus kill the king Laius?

Oedipus killed King Laius unknowingly in a tragic encounter at a crossroads. He was unaware that Laius was his biological father, as a prophecy had foretold that he would kill his father and marry his mother. In a fit of anger during a dispute, Oedipus attacked and killed Laius and his entourage, fulfilling the prophecy without realizing it. This act sets off the tragic chain of events that define Sophocles' play, "Oedipus Rex."


What is the mystery that Oedipus is out to slove for most of the play?

In order to lift the plague that is destroying the city, Oedipus must find the killer of the previous king, Laius.


Why did Oedipus kill Laius and his retinue when he met them in the road?

Oedipus killed Laius and his retinue in a fit of rage when they encountered each other on the road. Laius's driver attempted to force Oedipus off the road, leading to a confrontation. Unbeknownst to Oedipus, Laius was his biological father, and this act of violence fulfilled part of the tragic prophecy that foretold he would kill his father and marry his mother. This encounter is a pivotal moment in Sophocles' play, highlighting themes of fate and the tragic consequences of ignorance.


Who informs Oedipus that the murderer of King Laius must be found and exiled?

Oedipus is informed by the blind prophet Tiresias that the murderer of King Laius must be found and exiled. Tiresias reveals that Oedipus himself is the culprit, leading to a series of revelations that ultimately unravel Oedipus's identity and fate. This moment sets off the tragic events that follow in the play.


What is the punishment of the murderer of Laius?

The punishment for the murderer of Laius, as revealed in Sophocles' play "Oedipus Rex," is to be exiled from Thebes. Oedipus himself unknowingly killed Laius and, upon discovering the truth, he blinds himself and chooses to leave the city to prevent further suffering. This act of exile serves as both a personal punishment and a means to cleanse the city of the plague that afflicts it due to Laius's murder.


What information does Creon share with Oedipus in 'Oedipus Rex'?

The source and the countermeasures to the pestilence that afflicts Thebes is the information that Theban King Creon shares with Oedipus, his brother-in-law, co-ruler and nephew in the play "Oedipus Rex."Specifically, Creon consults with the Oracle of the shrine to Apollo. He learns that the entire city is polluted from the unsolved mystery of the death of Laius, Creon's brother-in-law and royal predecessor. He also learns that the pestilence will be ended with the identification and execution or exile of the person or persons who killed Laius.


Is Oedipus a tyrant in 'Oedipus Rex'?

Yes, Oedipus is a tyrant in "Oedipus Rex" by Sophocles (495 B.C.E. - 405 B.C.E.).Specifically, the original title of the play is "OedipusTyrannus" in Greek. According to the ancient Greeks, a tyrant seizes power by illegal means. Oedipus becomes King of Thebes by killing Laius, his royal predecessor and own father, and by marrying Jocasta, Laius' widow and Oedipus' mother. Both actions that lead to his kingship are illegal.