important quotes from oedipus rex explained

Oedipus addresses the people of Thebes in this opening passage, which right away sets up the paradigm of dramatic irony Sophocles employs throughout the work. The original prophecy was given to Laius and Oedipus by the Pythia, the priestess within the Oracle of Delphi. Oedipus speaks these lines in response to a senators questioning as to why he gouged out his own eyes. Your group members can use the joining link below to redeem their group membership. The dialogue in the play allows for many moments of dramatic irony, which is when the audience knows something the characters don't. Oedipus has clearly reached some peace of mind after all these years, and he establishes himself in the role of a wise man throughout Sophocless last play of the trilogy. Jocasta speaks these words in the third scene of the play. Detailed quotes explanations with page numbers for every important quote on the site. Antigone (/ n t n i / ann-TIG--nee; Ancient Greek: ) is an Athenian tragedy written by Sophocles in (or before) 441 BC and first performed at the Festival of Dionysus of the same year. Oedipus rains curses on the head of the unknown murderer, and vows to find him. "No skill in the world, nothing human can penetrate the future." Oedipus. Choragos speaks these words by the end of the last scene. Who Were the Parents of the Greek Hero Hercules? It also serves as a warning to the audience not to let vanity rule them as it did Oedipus. 21."No civilization, no matter how mighty it may appear to itself, is indestructible." Niall Ferguson, 'Civilization: The West and the Rest'. 20% While Oedipus searches for the truth, his fortune unravels as he learns that the fate prophesied to him in his youth (that he would kill his father and marry his mother) has come true. The play discusses how fate plays its part in the life of the characters. "Alas, how terrible is wisdom. All other trademarks and copyrights are the property of their respective owners. There are many translations of the play, these quotes and line numbers refer to the translation by Robert Fagles The Three Theban Plays: Antigone; Oedipus the King; Oedipus at Colonus, published by Penguin Classics (1st edition). While the audience knows that Oedipus has killed his father and married his mother, Oedipus has no idea; this drives the entire plot of the play. Source: Greek Dramas. All rights reserved. Learn important quotes from ''Oedipus Rex'' by Sophocles. Jocasta is presented with her fate by an early prophecy: her son will kill his father. Only seven of his complete plays have survived to reach the modern era, but he wrote more than 100 and won first prize in 24 contests. Unfortunately, his desire for power and control goes too far, and Anakin ends his life on the dark side of the force--as Darth Vader. In the quote, though, the Chorus reflects on the lack of worshipful respect accorded to Apollo or his divine wisdom; furthermore, the divine wisdom Apollo (through the oracle) offered to Laius had been disregarded even though the prophesied Fate still applies and is steadily coming to its tragic conclusion. In the last hours of his life, Oedipus bares his heart to Theseus, trying to impart some wisdom, begging him to care for his daughters, and imploring him to keep the place of his death a secret. Oedipus Rex, (Latin: "Oedipus the King") Greek Oidipous Tyrannos, play by Sophocles, performed sometime between 430 and 426 bce, that marks the summit of classical Greek drama's formal achievement, known for its tight construction, mounting tension, and perfect use of the dramatic devices of recognition and discovery. The citizens of Thebes (and the audience) are warned not to be jealous of men who seem like they have everything in life. First, as any Greek audience member would know, Oedipus is actually the son of Laius and Jocasta, the King and Queen of Thebes. In horror at what he has unwittingly done, Oedipus takes the pins from Jocastas gown and gouges out his eyes. Purchasing Tiresias provokes Oedipus by challenging his ability to solve riddles. Choragos is referring to fate saying that nobody should assume that he/she is a fortunate person until their death. Contact us Continue to start your free trial. succeed. Oedipus was fated to kill his own father, marry his mother, and have children with his mother. Immediately after Tiresias arrives, he begs to be released, stating that his divine knowledge is unbearable. Renews March 11, 2023 This scene highlights the respect felt for Oedipus prior to his familys tragic downfall. Instant downloads of all 1699 LitChart PDFs Greek authors routinely drew their basic material from a cycle of four epic poems, known as the, Would not have made it through AP Literature without the printable PDFs. He also makes it clear that the stabbing dagger of memory is threatening his sanity. Quotes - Oedipus Rex Quotes in Oedipus Rex. The second date is today's Before he died, Oedipus made Theseus promise to care for his daughters, a request revealing his trust in Theseus and his undying love for his daughters. Sophocles and The Oedipus Plays Background. Bernadotte Perrin. Later, Oedipus talks with Jocasta about the particulars surrounding Laius's death including the one surviving witness. Hubris means overwhelming pride. Already a member? - Oedipus. ThoughtCo. Significant themes from the work include fate, hubris, incest, and patricide. The exchange summarizes the climax of Oedipus the King for any audience who needs a reminder of what happened. Featured content includes commentary on major characters, 25 important quotes, essay topics, and key themes like Speech and Class. Chorus: Your death is the doing of your own conscious hand. When Oedipus doesn't believe him, he makes fun of Tiresias for being physically blind. Another characteristic of Greek tragedies is that they are built around the concept of dramatic irony, moments when the audience knows something the characters don't. "E'en intolerable ills, Finding right issue, tend to naught but good.". These quotations have been borrowed from the translation of Oedipus Rex by Dudley Fitts and Robert Fitzgerald. Fate is presented as an impersonal force, beyond the mere whim of the gods. Dont have an account? From the creators of SparkNotes, something better. In the scene between Tiresias and Oedipus, Tiresias is about to leave after arguing with Oedipus about Laius's killer. Themes in Oedipus Rex by Sophocles | What is the Theme of Oedipus Rex? His anguish, not another's; but my spirit. - Chorus. A clear contrast from the first quote, Oedipus' tone here shows that he is paranoid, has a short temper, and is pompous. Its like a teacher waved a magic wand and did the work for me. The Oracle of Delphi was a temple built for Apollo, who was the god believed to divinely inspire or give knowledge to the Pythia. If there are two dates, the date of publication and appearance In this stanza, the Chorus analyzes pride's infectious nature and how it reaps disastrous consequences for arrogant rulers. Aufgefhrt und ist Teil einer Trilogie von Stcken, zu denen auch gehrt Antigone und dipus bei Colonus.. Kurz gesagt, das Stck erzhlt die Geschichte von dipus, einem Mann, der von Geburt an als Ergebnis einer Prophezeiung zum . Oedipus is a proud man, he is praised as the King of Thebes and the defeater of the Sphinx, but it is his pride, his own belief that he is a good man who is favored by the gods, that leads him to unravel this very belief. Not a man on earth, the joy of your life ground down to nothing O Oedipus, name for the ages" Cite this Quote Unlock with LitCharts A My destiny, my dark power, what a leap you made! "Classic Monologue from "Oedipus the King"." Instead, the audience is encouraged to hold their praise for people until they have successfully experienced and fulfilled their fates. Even with the truth stated by a divinely inspired prophet, Oedipus's arrogant response is negation. Begging to be sent away from Thebes, he curses the shepherd who took off the pins that bound his ankles together as a baby, destined to die. Classic Monologue from "Oedipus the King", Writing About Literature: Ten Sample Topics for Comparison & Contrast Essays, Eteocles and Polynices: Cursed Brothers and Sons of Oedipus, M.A., English Literature, California State University - Sacramento, B.A., English, California State University - Sacramento. eNotes Editorial. creating and saving your own notes as you read. Quote #5. This reminds us that Laius' child is Oedipus, which makes Oedipus' children his siblings. Her descriptions of the oracle's prophecy are echoed by Oedipus when he describes how in his youth, he went to the Oracle of Delphi where he was told that: And be my natural father's murderer." (29). It is thought to be the second oldest surviving play of Sophocles, preceded by Ajax, which was written around the same period.The play is one of a triad of tragedies known as . The man you have been seeking, threatening him. The sentiment of pride being Oedipuss downfall is one that is repeated throughout the play, with Tiresias being the first to mention it. They're like having in-class notes for every discussion!, This is absolutely THE best teacher resource I have ever purchased. Many years before, Oedipus solved the riddle of the Sphinx, saved the city from ruin, and became king. Watch therefore and regard that supreme day; Oedipus Rex ends with the Chorus telling the moral of the story. So it's worth briefly recounting the plot of Sophocles' play in a short summary. At the play's end, fate triumphs, and Oedipus's downfall is complete. Considered one of the three greatest playwrights of classical Greek theater, Sophocles was a friend of Pericles and Herodotus, and a respected citizen who held political and military offices in fifth-century B.C.E. Although he was a model king and citizen, his complexity allows him to be labeled as a tragic hero. Purchasing Is all chance, chance rule's our lives. Youve successfully purchased a group discount. 20."Feelings of inferiority and superiority are the same. It condemned those he loved, including the people of Thebes, to fall under the punishment of the gods for his sin. Oedipus speaks to the Chorus that has gathered around him in Oedipus at Colonus. The free trial period is the first 7 days of your subscription. "Our city look around you, see with your own eyes our ship pitches wildly, cannot lift her head from the depths, the red waves of death. These lines are spoken at the end of the first scene. Tiresias speaks these lines in the first scene of the play. In a grotesque scene, Oedipus screams these lines after he blinds himself. Teachers and parents! Never let us remember of your reign: you helped us stand, only to fall once more. Often tragic heroes start from a place of high standing and end up falling to a place of low standing. What should a man fear? Can you explain the quote below from Oedipus Rex said by Jocasta? Complete your free account to access notes and highlights. He then continues to belittle Teiresias by saying how useless the old prophet, as it was Oedipus who defeated the Sphinx who terrorized the city. Join the dicussion. Ironically, Oedipus's pride is exhibited when he remembers attacking the man (Laius) riding in a "colt-chariot." Significant themes that are developed are hubris, incest, patricide, and fate. Download the entire Oedipus Rex study guide as a printable PDF! Youve successfully purchased a group discount. Oedipus vows to find the murderer and banish him at any cost. "Oedipus Rex" is a classical work in which Sophocles has skillfully shown a straightforward interpretation of a Greek myth. The way the content is organized, LitCharts makes it easy to find quotes by SparkNotes PLUS well on her way to going over the edge. damned, Damned in the blood he shed with his own hand!. Do you know. The final link to the prophecy, the killing of Laius, will then be uncovered, showing how Oedipus fulfilled fate's dictates. The significance of the story surrounds the character development around Oedipus as a tragic hero. Here, he stands completely exposed in front of his people in the fullness of his agony and shame. Oedipus then flees Corinth, attempting to avoid fates declarations. flashcard sets. next grief might be, Antigone reveals it: Creon will not It is a small victory that Oedipuss last act is independent. Its like a teacher waved a magic wand and did the work for me. It is the fate of all of us, perhaps, to direct our first sexual impulse towards our mother and our first hatred and our first murderous wish against our father. You call me unfeeling. Let's explore some of the quotes that are most important in Sophocles' Greek tragedy Oedipus Rex. Sophocles, quote from Oedipus Rex. familial relationships. Psychological Research & Experimental Design, All Teacher Certification Test Prep Courses, Oedipus Rex by Sophocles: Summary, Theme & Analysis, Praxis Art: Content Knowledge (5134) Prep, Library Science 101: Information Literacy, MTTC Social Studies (Elementary) (105) Prep, Acrylic Painting: Techniques, Artists & Examples, Working Scholars Bringing Tuition-Free College to the Community. Quotations or quotes represent universal ideas a literary piece comprises. Fate & Free Will in Oedipus Rex by Sophocles | Theme, Quotes & Analysis, Peripeteia in Oedipus Rex by Sophocles | Summary & Function, Oedipus in Oedipus Rex by Sophocles | Character Analysis & Traits. Oedipus is unaware that he is the killer and that, by the play's end, will be banished from Thebes. From the creators of SparkNotes, something better. The city's king, Oedipus, sends Creon to consult the Delphic . The blind prophet, who Oedipus has called, tells the king Hear then: this man whom thou hast sought to. JOCASTA O woe is thee, poor wretch! The 21 Best Oedipus the King Quotes In fear of this curse, Laius tried to kill his son. The original text plus a side-by-side modern translation of. In these lines, Oedipus shirks responsibility for his heinous actions, blaming it on Thebes and the gods. This speech by Oedipus reveals a lot about his personality. Which he held once, and have his marriage-bed, And the same wife; and since our progeny--, If his had not miscarried--had sprung from us. Fate is shown throughout Oedipus Rex, especially in the scene with Tiresias in which he refers to Oedipus's fate and prophesizes Oedipus's future. Oedipus gives his famous quote: "O god-all come true, all burst to light! Wade Bradford, M.A., is an award-winning playwright and theater director. Early in Oedipus the King, Creon speaks to Oedipus, reminding him that until they find out who killed Laius, Apollo has decreed that Thebes will be cursed with a plague-storm. This murder happened before Oedipus came to the city and, according to Creon, put us straight on course. At this point in the play, neither man knows that it is Oedipus himself who murdered Laius. | Jocasta speaks these lines by the end of the second scene. Catharsis in Oedipus Rex by Sophocles | Examples, Quotes & Analysis, Prophecy in Oedipus Rex by Sophocles | Role, Uses & Analysis, Dramatic Irony in Oedipus Rex by Sophocles | Analysis & Examples, Anagnorisis in Oedipus Rex by Sophocles | Overview & Analysis. By clicking Accept All Cookies, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Oedipus' speech here serves as an example of why he shouldn't be so prideful in trusting his own power and knowledge. More books than SparkNotes. Even though Oedipus attempted to outwit fate, shortly after this prophecy, he killed Laius. The greatest griefs are those we cause ourselves.. When Oedipus finally begins to wonder if Tiresias is right, his wife/mother Jocasta convinces him to relax. He also accuses Creon, the person who brought Teiresias, for planning this perplexing scene in an attempt to undermine Oedipus. Within Sophocles' tragedy Oedipus Rex, the titular character, Oedipus, searches for the previous king's murderer, not knowing that Oedipus is the regicide. The good news is that the people of Corinth want Oedipus to be their king. The second is the date of Antigones first words in Antigone, My Esther Lombardi, M.A., is a journalist who has covered books and literature for over twenty years. Antigone says that griefs are handed down in Oedipuss Not a man What did the clairvoyant Teiresias suggest when he states to Oedipus, "How dreadful knowledge of the truth can be, when there's no help in truth!". This shows how Jocasta proves hopeful when the others are insane with rage. Tiresias insinuates that Oedipus will learn that he is both father and brother to his children, especially his sons who are his legacy. | 2 for a customized plan. Teachers and parents! Page Number and Citation 1448 Cite this Quote Unlock with LitCharts A + Get Annual Plans at a discount when you buy 2 or more! Oedipus proclaims that: "As for myself I pray, if with my knowledge. The story can also be seen as a narrative around family ideals about ason who is competing with his father for his mother's attention. However, the person Oedipus killed was King Laius, his father, making Oedipus guilty of patricide. Sophocles, quote from Oedipus Rex. Oedipus's confidence at outwitting fate is reinforced through Jocasta as she downplays what oracles and prophets have stated about their futures. However, this quote is just as true at the end of the play, where Oedipus knows and accepts his horrible fate. Quote: Antigone: O Oedipus, father and brother! She says to Oedipus: Nor yet that Laius should endure the stroke. In his past, Oedipus killed a stranger where three roads met. PDF downloads of all 1699 LitCharts literature guides, and of every new one we publish. He is of the view that the tragedy of Oedipus is the greatest one, for he has been struck by grief after killing his father and marrying his mother without knowing that he was a part of the doomed prophecy. In a nutshell, the play tells the story of Oedipus, a man doomed from birth as a result of a prophecy which states that he will murder his father and marry his mother. - Oedipus. Oedipus Rex Essential Quotes by Theme: Fate For I decree that no one in this land, in which I rule as your own king, shall give that killer shelter or talk to him, whoever he may be, or act in concert with him during prayers, or sacrifice, or sharing lustral water Laius and myself. When theres no help in truth! The dramatic irony involves the characters' ignorance of Oedipus' true history, which the audience knows, even as the soothsayer warns Oedipus that he is being metaphorically 'blind.' Complete your free account to request a guide. He believes it is better to no longer see the things and people around him. copyright 2003-2023 Study.com. Therefore, Tiresias says, "that you are Laius' murderer/He whom you seek" (14). In reward, he received the throne of Thebes and the hand of the widowed queen, his mother, Jocasta. allow her brother Polynices to be buried. Also, it is through messengers that Oedipus eventually pieces together the puzzle of his life, leading him to his ghastly revelationsthe truthof his life. He thinks that because his patronage is unknown, that Fortune must be his mother, since he has been gifted with greatness. You'll be billed after your free trial ends. Contact us "Give me a life wherever there is an opportunity to live, and better life than was my father's." Sophocles, Oedipus Rex tags: oedipus-rex , sophocles 18 likes Like "Whose tale more sad than thine, whose lot more dire? From king to blind beggar, Oedipus realizes the sins he has committed: murdering his father and marrying his mother. As Oedipus curses the murderer, he curses himself. Wed love to have you back! You may cancel your subscription on your Subscription and Billing page or contact Customer Support at custserv@bn.com. It's understandable why he thinks so highly of himself. | If you could only see. Privacy Policy, The Three Theban Plays: Antigone; Oedipus the King; Oedipus at Colonus. Of course, the theme around fate is central as the gods have willed it toward Oedipus. At first the soothsayer refuses to tell Oedipus, but he ends up coming right out and accusing Oedipus of killing King Laius. Your subscription will continue automatically once the free trial period is over. No one can see ahead, so all prophecies are false. For example, his personality characteristics such asstubbornness and anger are not that of the idealized Greek man. For the next 7 days, you'll have access to awesome PLUS stuff like AP English test prep, No Fear Shakespeare translations and audio, a note-taking tool, personalized dashboard, & much more! Thebes Asks Oedipus for Help As the play opens, the city of. (1068-1073) Jocasta, aware that it will only hurt him, warns Oedipus to stop seeking knowledge. PDFs of modern translations of every Shakespeare play and poem. There's nothing, no painour lives are painno private shame, no public disgrace, nothing I haven't seen in your grief and mine. Listen to me and learn some peace of mind: Great laws tower above us, reared on high. After the conversation between Jocasta and Oedipus, the Chorus anguishes over Oedipus's hubris. This line also foreshadows the origins of Oedipus, the death of his wife, the loss of his sight, and the decree he pronounced on Laius's murderer being carried out upon Oedipus himself. In the end, it turns out that Oedipus has also murdered his father. Following the royal couple's exchange, the Chorus reflects on the dangers related to a prideful, arrogant ruler. Subscribe now. The University of Chicago Press. A tragic hero is a protagonist who has a fatal flaw that eventually leads to his or her downfall. like the audience, is one step behind. Presume on his good fortune until he find, Life, at his death, a memory without pain.. Teacher Editions with classroom activities for all 1699 titles we cover. (2020, August 26). for a group? Oedipus's extreme pride, or hubris, is developed when the Priest calls upon Oedipus to heal Thebes from the plague. After Oedipus's insulting onslaught, Tiresias parries first with, "As you proclaimed it; nor from this day forth/Speak word to these; being of this land/Yourself the abominable contaminator!" A messenger arrives with both bad and good news. Tiresias at first refuses to talk, but, when Oedipus accuses him of the murder, he rounds on the king and tells him that Oedipus himself is the murderer. She asks Oedipus to hear the words of the messenger that he has brought the news of the death of his parents. The Chorus sums things up with the following: Pride, when puffed up, vainly, with many things. Struggling with distance learning? "Alas, the pains I bear are numberlessmy people now all sick with plague, our minds can find no weapons to serve as our defence." Teach your students to analyze literature like LitCharts does. One massively important quotation is Teiresias 's revelation of truth to Oedipus . A staff to point his footsteps, he shall go. The suffering he endures as he goes on his journey in search for the truth is different from his counterparts who have killed themselves, like Antigone and Othello. Instead, she seems to scoff at the prophecy and instead welcomes the gods to reveal the truth, which ironically has happened. Having been defeated at its own game, the Sphinx threw itself from a cliff, reopening the way to Thebes. to start your free trial of SparkNotes Plus. The following quote also shows us not only how the city views their king, but also why Oedipus is so full of himself: he's told that he's awesome all the time. Oedipus vows to find out the source of the curse. The wordplay of "knowledge" hits on Oedipus's pride in his own intelligence and ability to figure out puzzles. Our dreams convince us that this is so.". The horror of darkness, like a shroud, Wraps me and bears me on through mist and cloud. Classic Monologue from "Oedipus the King". This is what prophets and prophecies are worth! This is an example of Oedipus's hubris affects him. Create your account, 4 chapters | Lombardi, Esther. At the end of the play, the irony is that Oedipus is still greatly under the guidance of Fortune, but rather than favoring him, it destroys him. Sophocles' tragic Oedipus Rex revolves around Oedipus, the king of Thebes, trying to identify and punish Laius's murderer. Thus, he is a noble in the simplest sense; that is, his parents were themselves royalty. Oedipus utters these words by the end of the fourth scene. When Oedipus can finally 'see' the truth and is banished from Thebes as a blind beggar, the Chorus leaves us with a final warning: don't envy a great and marvelous man until you see how his life ends. And be my natural father's murderer." (29) The Oracle of Delphi had told Oedipus this when he was young and before he came to Thebes. She knows she has nothing I would definitely recommend Study.com to my colleagues. Quotes in Oedipus Rex Quote #1 "Each of you suffers in himself alone His anguish, not another's; but my spirit Groans for the city." Prologue, Lines 64-66 Oedipus speaks these lines which show that he is deeply tormented by the news that the city is under attack from a mysterious plague. Oedipus is instead taken by a shepherd to Corinth, where he is reared by Polybus and Merope. ( Antigone, 1-8) Antigone's first words in Antigone, "My own flesh and blood," vividly emphasize the play's concern with familial relationships. In a final reconciliatory act due to his hubris, Oedipus blinds himself. She earned her Masters in Arts from Longwood University in 1997 and has also earned her National Board Certification in addition to the Advanced Placement English Language and Composition and Advanced Placement English Literature and Composition endorsements. PDFs of modern translations of every Shakespeare play and poem. https://www.thoughtco.com/oedipus-rex-quotes-740934 (accessed March 5, 2023). Oedipus prods, first begging and then mocking and cajoling the prophet to reveal the truth. Laius starts off the chain of events by trying to control fate: he sentences his son to death. Although these men may look happy on the surface, only fate will determine if they will end their lives that way. He reveals that not only is Oedipus the murderer of Laius, but he is both "brother and [father]" to his children, both "son and husband" to his wife, and the "assassin of his [father]." In another example of dramatic irony, he does not yet realize that this is his own fate. Complete your free account to access notes and highlights. Time Period of Oedipus Rex by Sophocles | When was Oedipus Written? Get unlimited access to over 88,000 lessons. Sweet had been the sight Come, listen to me." Oedipus' words highlight how his pride leads to hubris because he believes he is above the gods and that he could grant their prayers better than the gods could. https://www.thoughtco.com/oedipus-monologue-from-oedipus-the-king-2713301 (accessed March 5, 2023). In Oedipus Rex, how does Oedipus's tragic flaw lead to his downfall? To unlock this lesson you must be a Study.com Member. Ismene, on the other hand, Oedipus, damned in his birth, in his marriage. Copyright 1998-2022. SparkNotes Plus subscription is $4.99/month or $24.99/year as selected above. The gravestone portrayed Jeannette's realization of how important Rex Walls was to her, after he died. Tiresias in Oedipus Rex: Character Analysis | Who is Tiresias? Renew your subscription to regain access to all of our exclusive, ad-free study tools. Explore the play ''Oedipus Rex'' by Sophocles through memorable quotes from the dialog. My destiny, my dark power, what a leap you made! Oedipus is the son of King Laius and Queen Jocasta and unknowingly marries his mother, who he ends up having four children with. You'll be able to access your notes and highlights, make requests, and get updates on new titles. Please wait while we process your payment. He warns and continues to challenge Oedipus that everybody from the kingdom and his circle will be cursing him soon for the horrible deeds he has committed to his own family. Foreshadowing the end, the Chorus reflects on how pride can be a ruler's (Oedipus's) fatal flaw. Jocasta says, "Many a man has shared a mother's bed, / And still not known the truth of his own birth" (Sophocles, Oedipus Rex, lines 627-628). When they conclude their speech, they analyze the prophecy which doomed the royal family. We're sorry, SparkNotes Plus isn't available in your country. Welcome to the LitCharts study guide on Sophocles's Oedipus Rex. Struggling with distance learning? Renew your subscription to regain access to all of our exclusive, ad-free study tools. Discover the themes of patricide, incest, fate, hubris, and more in this famous play from ancient Greece. In fact, it is the attempted escape by both Oedipus and Jocasta that brings about fates intended design. Oedipus had called for Tiresias, believing he could help Thebes rid itself of Laius's murderer, ending the plague. At this point in the play, an oracle has told Oedipus that the plague is due to a lack of vengeance for the former king's murder. on 50-99 accounts. Sophocles and The Oedipus Plays Background. Subscribe now. The introduction of these two characters foreshadows the plotof another famous play by Sophocles, Antigone. Thanks for creating a SparkNotes account! Oedipus Rex(Oedipus the King) is a famous play by the great ancient Greek tragedianSophocles.