Oedipus the King, written by Sophocles, is a tragic story which depicts the life of Oedipus Rex; it was often performed as a play or simply spoken as a narrative. Sophocles takes his audience through a rollercoaster of emotions, by depicting the life of Oedipus Rex, an epic hero whose many tragic flaws’s ultimately caused him to accept his horrendous fate. Since his birth, it was Oedipus’ fate that one day he would kill his father only to marry his mother. Once informed about the prophecy his parents Laius and Jocasta, left Oedipus at the side of Mt. Cithaeron with stakes which secured him to the mountainside. It was here where a shepherd found this baby and named him Oedipus, meaning “hurt foot”. This would give Oedipus a limp for the remainder of his life. Oedipus’ limp an example of his many tragic flaw’s, although his only physical one. Oedipus was raised by the king and queen of Corinth, Polybus and Merope. Believing these to be his birth parents he grew up normal and unaware of his inevitable fate which will one day catch up to him.
During the play Sophocles utilizes a chorus to act as a voice of reason. The chorus was made up of fifteen to twenty men who represented Theban citizens. They often appeared at the end of an act to comment on the actions and events. As well as give the audience significant information throughout the play. The chorus also communicated to characters through dialogue as well. The chorus’ views tend to gradually shift as the truth about Oedipus’ past spread throughout Thebes. They’re views involving Oedipus slowly begins to shift from a supportive view to an ambiguous view when the truth steadily reveals itself.
Once Oedipus solved the sphinx’s riddle and freed Thebes of its awful curse Oedipus was seen as a hero in the eyes of the Thebans. This was the point where the chorus shows full support for Oedipus as their leader. The chorus believes Oedipus is their savior, they think that he is the one who will rid the city of...