Final answer:
The given statement “The only way to end the plague is to kill or exile the one who murdered Laius (Oedipus rex)” is false because it is belief that killing or exiling the one who murdered Laius is the only way to end the plague in "Oedipus Rex" is a misconception, as the play highlights the inexorable nature of fate, challenging the idea that the resolution lies in punishing a single individual.Thus,the correct option is 2.
Step-by-step explanation:
In "Oedipus Rex," the idea that killing or exiling the one who murdered Laius is the only way to end the plague is a misconception. While Oedipus believes that punishing the murderer will bring relief, the tragic irony lies in the fact that Oedipus himself is the unwitting culprit.
The Oracle's prophecy and Oedipus's eventual realization emphasize the inevitability of fate, suggesting that the plague is a result of larger cosmic forces at play, not simply the actions of one individual. The play, rooted in the concept of fate, challenges the notion that eliminating a single person can resolve the underlying issues.
Oedipus's journey unfolds as a manifestation of the inexorable nature of destiny, and his efforts to escape fate only contribute to its fulfillment. The playwright, Sophocles, uses dramatic irony to convey the tragic irony of Oedipus's quest for justice. The audience is aware of Oedipus's unknowing patricide and incest, making the pursuit of the murderer an ironic and futile endeavor.
Therefore, the belief that killing or exiling the murderer would end the plague oversimplifies the complexities of the narrative. In essence, "Oedipus Rex" underscores the limitations of human agency in the face of preordained destiny, challenging the idea that the resolution of the plague is contingent on the punishment of a single individual.
Therefore,the correct option is 2.