Question

What did Oedipus do when he realized the incestuous affair that took place with Jocasta?

A. He killed himself.
B. He blinded himself.
C. He exiled himself from Thebes.
D. All of the above.

Answer 1

Oedipus blinds himself and then exiles himself from Thebes after realizing the incestuous affair with Jocasta, who also kills herself.

Step-by-step explanation:

When Oedipus realized the incestuous affair that had taken place with Jocasta, his mother and wife, he was overcome by horror and guilt. According to the story by Sophocles, Oedipus blinded himself, fulfilling the prophecy that he would be 'blind to the truth of his situation'. After blinding himself, Oedipus exiled himself from Thebes, leaving the kingdom he once ruled. It's important to note that Jocasta, also devastated by the revelations, killed herself. The tragic outcomes for both Jocasta and Oedipus exemplify the themes of fate and responsibility that are central to the play.