Oedipus Rex, Scene Three - Paen

Oedipus still has many unanswered questions about his origins. The city of Thebes is suffering from the plague, and a murderer is still on the loose. Oedipus, showing arrogance, rejects the advice of the prophet Tiresias and his brother-in-law Creon. Seeking the truth about the murder of Laius, Oedipus is beginning to realize that the Oracle's prophecy is possibly true. What will take place in the second part of the tragedy? How will this story end?

Scene Three Ode Three

The climax of Oedipus the King/Oedipus Rex begins when a Corinthian messenger pays a visit to Oedipus. This is the same messenger whose job it was to carry Oedipus, as an infant with pierced feet, to his death. Remember, this is the same shepherd who delivered Oedipus to Polybus and Merope. What information will this shepherd share with Oedipus?

Analysis

The focus of the tragedy shifts from the murder of Laius to the birth of Oedipus. The Corinthian messenger shares some truth about Oedipus' birth. He tells Oedipus that his real father has passed away. The messenger also tells Oedipus his feet were pierced and bound together shortly after birth because of the dreadful prophecy. The messenger does not reveal to Oedipus if it was his mother or father who sent him to his death. By the end of this scene, Iocaste has realized that Oedipus is her son. She attempts to stop Oedipus from any further discovery of the truth, and any more harm. Proof of Iocaste's shielding is found in the following lines:

In the name of the gods, no!
If you have some concern for your own life, then stop! Do not keep investigating this.
I will suffer—that will be enough.

The third ode (Stasimon Three) is an expression by the chorus about Oedipus’ birth. The citizens of Thebes still have faith in Oedipus since he was left at Mount Cithaeron.

 

Scene Four Ode Four

Have you ever witnessed a crime? Imagine witnessing to a crime and then keeping it a secret. You will see that this is exactly what happens in scene four. Scene Four begins with the visit of another shepherd. However, this shepherd is not a Corinthian; he is a Theban. You will find out that this shepherd is the only witness to the murder of Laius, and he has kept the secret safe.

The climax of the tragedy is reached in this scene when Oedipus discovers his fate. Anagnorisis, the moment of discovery, is reached after Oedipus threatens the Theban messenger with death. The Theban messenger tells Oedipus that he is in fact the child who is Laius' son and who murdered Laius at the crossroads. Upon discovery of the truth, Oedipus responds with the following lines:

Ah, so it all came true. It’s so clear now.
O light, let me look at you one final time,
a man who stands revealed as cursed by birth, 
cursed by my own family, and cursed
by murder where I should not kill.

In Ode Four (Stasimon Four) human existence and fate are reflected upon by the chorus. The singing chorus reminds the audience that all who live are subjected to a fate that could bring wealth or poverty and eventually death.

 

Exodos

How would you react if you just found out the life you lived was very different from the truth? Oedipus has killed his father. He has married his mother. His children are actually his very own brothers and sisters. The pain both Oedipus and Iocaste feel is unbearable. Finally, the tragedy will come to an end.

Analysis

The Exodos is narrated by a messenger who acts as a witness to the last events of the tragedy. With the pain being too great for Iocaste, she rushes through the palace and hangs herself. Oedipus is so engulfed in rage he searches for Iocaste in the palace. Once he finds her, the sight of her death causes him to break down. The arrogant Oedipus weeps, takes the golden brooches off of his wife's clothing, and stabs his eyes, blinding himself. Oedipus, being blind to the truth of his origins, permanently damages his eyes. Tiresias' prophecy revealed this to Oedipus; however, Oedipus' arrogance was in the "way" of keeping Oedipus from seeing the truth. Dramatic irony is present as the audience is aware of Oedipus' identity and doomed fate; however, Oedipus is not. In the end, Oedipus wishes he had died in infancy, free from the tortures this life has given him, and he is exiled from Thebes.  Oedipus returns to Mt. Cithaeron, the place where he was left as an infant and where his journey began.

The scene ends with the final Ode (stasimon) that expresses Oedipus' fate again. This final Ode represents the essential element, the catharsis.

 

Oedipus Rex, Scene Three - Paen Review

Do you know all of the key moments in the tragedy Oedipus the King/Oedipus Rex? In this non-graded interactivity, read each question, and then drag the appropriate answer into the blank space provided and click SUBMIT. Click the player button to get started.