In the play Oedipus Rex, the author Sophocles, attempts to create feelings of sympathy towards the main character, Oedipus. This is achieved by using dramatic irony, the prophecy that guided Oedipus towards the truth regarding his childhood, and key scenes in the play, which help to build the audiences understanding and opinions concerning his situation. Through the prophecy alone, Oedipus was doomed even before his life had even begun. As an innocent child, his parents, King Laios and Queen Iokaste, had tried to rid themselves of the curse, which was cast upon them by Apollo, the god of the sun. For many years the King and Queen, lived normal lives thinking that they had overcome the powerful prophecy. Many years later, Oedipus, after hearing the same prophecy, fled from the two people, which he believed to be his real parents. This was his attempt to try and save them from his own fate. While Oedipus was trying to escape, he discovered the truth about his identity, although his realization came too late. Oedipus would be forever shamed by the entire city and live a life of darkness and guilt. We feel pity throughout these events because these incidences were beyond his control. The gods had proven that they were superior and extremely powerful beings. Many times throughout the play the audience was aware of certain situations that would arise before the actors themselves were aware. This used of dramatic irony created suspense and pity for Oedipus. One of the first examples of this is the proclamation that was made by Oedipus himself. The audience knows that he will somehow be involved in the discovery of the murdered when he says, “As for me, this curse applies no less” (Sc. 1, l. 32). By doing this he will now suffer just as much as anyone else, even though he is of higher authority. Another example of dramatic irony occurs when Teiresias, the blind seer, makes his own prediction of what is to come of Oedip...
