Sophocles, the playwright of Oedipus Rex, often wrote scripts for events in mythology, which were common knowledge to the populace who viewed his productions. Set in the time of the Golden Period of Greece, Sophocles, knowing that his audience is aware of the outcome of the play, utilizes that foreknowledge to create various situations in which irony plays a key role. By using irony in a play, playwrights can tantalize pre-enlightened viewers into wanting to see how the events occurring mentally affect the main character. The audience receives a large amount of irony in the first few minutes of the play. When Oedipus learns that the bringing to justice of Laius’ killer will rid the city of its plague, he sets out on a path to track down the killer. Oedipus begins cursing the killer of Laius (in reality himself), and proclaims:-“I mean to fight for him now, as I would fight For my own father…”This is very ironic, as Oedipus’ father is in fact Laius: so Oedipus is fighting for his own father.Oedipus’ determination for truth and justice leads to his own downfall. He tells the city that he will avenge the murder of Laius, no matter what obstacles are placed in his way:-“There is nothing I will not do. Certain it is That by the help of God we stand – or fall.”It is this very resolve that leads to his downfall and the city’s shame. The statement is also a prophecy – in his triumph, Oedipus will fall.Oedipus also claims the killer might try and kill him next, and so by “…serving Laius, I serve myself.” Ironically, Oedipus feels that by finding the killer of Laius, he will be protecting himself. Of course, this is nonsense, as he is unaware that his finding of Laius’ killer will not protect him – but destroy him. In fact, the entire ideal of helping the city be rid of the curse is ironic, as it was Oedipus himself who caused the plague in the ...
