Writing Through Literature: Blog #1 on Oedipus Rex

As the story of Oedipus Rex continues to develop the audience founds out that Oedipus name directly relates to the prophecy and his character. Oedipus names means swollen feet and because his feet were damaged it could also been said that his character is damaged. This was also a symbol of the evil things that Oedipus might do in the future. His name could also be ironic because since Oedipus feet were scared while he was an infant this in fact marked him for his suffering from his birth. It was one point Sophocles tried to make in the story that you can’t control your destiny. The scars on his feet also symbolize Oedipus ignorance. Oedipus ignores the meaning of his name and the origins in which it comes because of this Oedipus unleash terrible curses upon him. Oedipus even stated “Oh why must you mention that old affliction” (Sophocles, 1060). This line was said while a messenger was explaining where Oedipus was found which is the key to the play. Finding out the who his parents are and as you can see in the quote above Oedipus does not try to connect what his name means to the prophecy that he is  supposed to fulfill. Oedipus ignorance can be seen throughout the whole play. An example of Oedipus ignorance being shown is when he talks to the blind prophet Tiresias about who is polluting the city of Thebes. Oedipus wants to find out who is polluter of the city because he is the king and it is his job. However since Tiresias knows who the polluter which is Oedipus himself Tiresias does not want to reveal this information because it will do no one any good. Oedipus reply’s by saying “You worst of wicked men! You would anger a stone! Will you reveal nothing, but instead show yourself unmovable and impractical” (Sophocles, 353-355). This line was clearly spoken in ignorance by not knowing who is parents are. Oedipus chooses to not listen to the prophet because he believed he knew best about his own affairs which in fact marks the tragedy of the story Oedipus Rex.