Question

Identify three examples of irony in "Oedipus the King" and explain why they are ironic.

Answer 1

Some examples of irony in the Greek drama, Oedipus the King, is when Oedipus figures out King Laius was murdered and Oedipus is determined to figure out who killed Laius. This is ironic because as the audience, we know Oedipus is the murderer of Laius, but he doesn't. Another example of irony is when Oedipus leaves his "father", King Polybus, because he learns about a his prophet. This is ironic because we know that King Polybus is not Oedipus' real father, while Oedipus still acknowledges King Polybus as his real father. In the Greek drama, they say Oedipus is blind, while Oedipus is "blind" he can still see. They say he is blind because he cannot see who he really is and what he as done.

Step-by-step explanation:

Answer 2

Irony is an important element in the work of Sophocles. The plot of the tragedy takes shape in the way Oedipus is in the seek for salvation of the plague. He is determined to find the man responsible, however, ironically it is himself the one who caused it. Eyes are to allow us to see, but in the case of Oedipus it is also ironic that he has his sight in good condition, although he is unable and refuses to see the real truth. A third example of irony would be that Thiresias, a blind prophet, has the capacity to contemplate and see the actual origin of the suffering of Thebes, in spite of his physical inability.