Oedipus The King Full Text Explained In Simple Terms

Author anthony Tuesday, 16 September 2025

The Prophecy and its Unraveling
Oedipus’s Tragic Flaw: Hubris and Denial

The story of Oedipus, king of Thebes, is a chilling exploration of a man’s desperate attempts to escape a self-fulfilling prophecy, ultimately leading to his own destruction. His relentless pursuit of truth, while initially commendable, exposes a deep-seated flaw that brings devastation upon himself and his kingdom. The play's enduring appeal lies in its exploration of universal themes that resonate with audiences across millennia.

The Prophecy and its Unraveling

The play begins with Thebes plagued by a devastating plague. The oracle at Delphi reveals the source: the unresolved murder of Laius, the previous king. Oedipus, the current king, vows to find the murderer and banish them. Ironically, unbeknownst to Oedipus, he is the very culprit.

The prophecy foretold that Laius would be killed by his own son, and that this son would marry his mother. To prevent this, Laius and his wife Jocasta took drastic measures; the infant Oedipus was abandoned to die on a mountainside. However, he survived, rescued and raised by a different family. This classic narrative device, the “deus ex machina” – a twist of fate – sets the stage for the tragedy.

As the investigation progresses, Oedipus’s past slowly unveils itself. He learns, through a series of encounters and revelations, the truth of his origins. A shepherd, pivotal in the infant Oedipus's survival, provides the missing link confirming his identity as Laius's son. Each step of this unraveling is agonizing for the audience, building suspense and highlighting Oedipus’s unwavering commitment to uncovering the truth. "The truth is a terrible thing," Sophocles implies through the play’s painful revelation.

The Role of Fate and Free Will

Oedipus’s Tragic Flaw: Hubris and Denial

Oedipus's downfall is directly linked to his tragic flaw: hubris, or excessive pride. His unwavering confidence in his intellect and his ability to control his destiny blinds him to the impending catastrophe. His insistent pursuit of the truth is admirable, but his arrogance prevents him from accepting the horrifying implications when the truth is revealed. He initially dismisses any suggestion that he might be involved, demonstrating a profound unwillingness to confront the potentially devastating reality.

The Significance of Blindness

The play’s iconic image of Oedipus blinding himself is multifaceted. It’s not merely a physical act of self-punishment; it is a symbolic representation of the devastating realization of his actions and the intellectual blindness he experienced before. The irony is profound: Oedipus, who prided himself on his sight and intellect in solving the riddle of the Sphinx, is ultimately left blind, stripped of his ability to perceive both physically and emotionally. This blindness, imposed upon himself, is a profound act of self-knowledge and a form of self-imposed punishment.

The Significance of Jocasta's Role

Jocasta, Oedipus’s wife and mother, plays a crucial role in the tragedy. Her knowledge of the prophecy and her attempt to protect Oedipus, albeit through deception and avoidance, highlight the devastating consequences of the pursuit of self-preservation at the expense of truth. Her suicide underscores the play's themes of despair and the destructive nature of hidden truths. Her character's actions underscore the complexity of the choices individuals make when confronted by insurmountable circumstances.