Learn vocabulary, terms, and more with flashcards, games, and other study tools. When the play opens, Thebes is suffering a plague which leaves its fields and women barren. As the play opens, Oedipus, the king of Thebes, asks from a group of people that why they are gathered there. O edipus Rex is a Greek tragedy that tells the story of King Oedipus of Thebes, who is fated to kill his father and marry his mother.. Thebes is … Summary. In the ode, the chorus reflects Oedipus' emerging belief that the prophecies may … The story of Oedipus and the tragedies that befell his family were nothing new to Sophocles's audience. Puzzled at first, then angry, Oedipus insists that Tiresias tell Thebes what he knows. Describing himself as "a stranger to the story" (248) of the king's murder, Oedipus nevertheless declares that he will fight for Laius "as if … Analysis. It was the second of Sophocles‘ three Theban plays to be produced, but it comes first in the internal chronology (followed by “Oedipus at Colonus” and then “Antigone”). Analysis. Oedipus accuses Tiresias of playing a part in Laius's death. Oedipus sends for Tiresias, the blind prophet, to help with the investigation. Tiresias comes, but refuses to tell Oedipus what he has seen in his prophetic visions. In this article, students will come across a detailed summary of Oedipus the King (Oedipus Rex); a Greek tragedy written by Sophocles. Before Oedipus became king, the previous king, Laius, was murdered, and his murderer was never discovered. The chorus glorifies the gods and destiny, rejecting human pride. A boy leads in the blind prophet Tiresias. Oedipus' address to the people of Thebes offers yet another opportunity for dramatic irony. According to the oracle, the killer lives in Thebes. Oedipus' brilliance and determination serve him well in solving mysteries — like the riddle of the Sphinx — but lead ultimately to his tragic downfall. Summary Oedipus the King, lines 338–706 Summary Oedipus the King, lines 338–706. Oedipus Rex Summary. The keynote of Oedipus' character lies in his will to know — and, thereby, to control reality. Start studying Sophocles' Oedipus the King Study Guide. All the people were led by an old priest having garlands and flowers. Summary. Creon tells Oedipus and the assembled priests the words of the god Apollo, according to the oracle. Oedipus begs him to reveal who Laius’s murderer is, but Tiresias answers only that he knows the truth but wishes he did not. At last, the furious Oedipus orders Tiresias away. “Oedipus the King” (Gr: “Oidipous Tyrannos”; Lat: “Oedipus Rex”) is a tragedy by the ancient Greek playwright Sophocles, first performed in about 429 BCE. 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