Oedipus the King by Sophocles Analysis

The Oedipus trilogy enunciates the fulfillment of prophecy that predicts the murder of a father at the hands of a son (Sophocles). The paradoxical narration features the cultural attributes and societal beliefs, which enabled the circumstances that led to the realization of the prediction. Profound accounts of prejudice and bigotry lie within the works of Sophocles to diversify the functions of the piece and tackle the injustices that were present at that time. The themes depicting the happenings major on the ancient Greek setting and values to voice out the author’s concerns. From cultural beliefs and values to the infrastructural imagery of the transportation amenities present in 4th century BC, the story offers an in-depth emotional experience that accurately guides the reader as much as the writer desires (Edmunds 24).

The author bases his emotional functions on the sociopolitical defects in the society relating to death rather than a personal grieving occurrence that dates to the suffering of the deceased. Normalization of tragedy permits the reader and the audience to fathom the social state of ancient Greece. The audience and the author can conveniently focus on other functions of the play without having to cover the rigorous emotional properties within the same play. Handling of death by Sophocles in the piece tells of the intention of the artist and the aspects that require focus to understand the art of the proprietor. Oedipus the King voices out themes of tragedy in its narration of the prophecy and the subject characters who unwillingly carry out its fulfillment.

Sophocles manages to detail the valuation of human life, particularly civilians and less influential persons in ancient Greece by having less focus on the suffering of death and its aftermath. There is a distinct contrast in the valuation of Laius’ death and that of the presumed civilian at the crossroads. The disinterest in the death of the civilian proves the social selectiveness of concern in varying scenarios depending on relevance and influence (Lattimore 445). King Laius’ death evokes outrage and actions from the King who summons Tiresias, a prophet and sends his brother to the oracle for answers. Familiar lethal combats that Oedipus and Laius agree to demonstrate the retrospective avenues that offer judicial services and determinants for cases of such nature.

Death of King Laius and the man at the crossroads, which is seemingly the same incident, prompts varying reactions from different social positions within the community. Sophocles develops the opinion of the audience by revealing bigotry in the social setting in ancient Greece. Valuation of human life in ancient Greece with respect to socioeconomic standings translates to contemporary social defects that affect communities. Death as a relief is a strange prospect that Sophocles brings to life in his narration of Polybus’ death because it dictates the nullification of the prophecy. Perception on death is a device that enables the author to examine moral attributes of the society without deviating from the main function of the piece. Routledge, 2006. Kane, Robert L. "Prophecy and perception in the Oedipus Rex.