Oedipus Rex

Have you ever heard the saying ‘’ the truth will set you free, but first it will make you miserable.’’ Well behind that there is another question, Is it always good to know the truth? Some say the truth will either break or make a person. Would you rather live your life in a bundle of lies and pretend to be happy? Or would you rather spend your life in shame and suffering because of the truth? It would be a guarantee the guilty feeling will not there because you told the truth. For when you are a child, to tell the truth was good we all were thought right from wrong, truth from lies but most of all the truth is always better than the lies. Take a minute and think on it, is it really always good to know the truth? Oedipus the king written by Sophocles, Oedipus the main character in this play is motivated to find the truth and his intention are good. The motivation is always followed by the intentions, just as the truth is followed by goodness. Oedipus then pledges himself to find and punish the murderer of Laius. The author used irony in the method of punishment that was given by Oedipus. As stated on page 15 ‘’ citizens of Thebes; whoever among you knows by whose Laius son of Labdacus was killed, I order him to reveal the whole truth to me.’’ His motivation is innocent.

It is one of the most important reasons what makes it such a tragedy. Oedipus blindly led his life, not physically but mentally, not having any clue that the prophecy might lead to the truth. This is a perfect example to know the truth rather not knowing the truth. If Oedipus did know the truth ‘’ it would have set him free, but first it will make him miserable.’’ This would be level one for Oedipus, the prophecy stage. Meanwhile the reader is very well knows that Oedipus prophecy is true, but Oedipus himself does not know it. This is probably the most interesting part for the reader. The reader stays in suspense to see how Oedipus reacts to the truth. Which bring the reader to conclusion YES it is always better to know the truth. As stated on page 25, because of not knowing the truth Tiresias spoke to Oedipus and said ‘’ there is no man alive whose ruins will be more pitiful than yours.’’

Well if Oedipus knew the truth his ruins wouldn’t have to be more pitiful than any other man alive. Likewise he would have avoided the corruption and confusion from happening, rather than having to live a miserable and guilty life. He then becomes angry if the truth is not told and it is begin held back from him. The anger in him then caused him to make false accusations to Tiresias and Creon. It is very odd how motivated Oedipus is for the answer to such a terrible prophecy, rather than staying away from the truth. Sometime it is good for us as humans to know the truth. Many people say that ‘’what you do not know, will not hurt you’’ but Oedipus believes the opposite ‘’what you do not know, will hurt you.’’ Another reason why one should know the truth is because when you hear of words that was spoken that you have a clue of as stated on page 42 ‘’ I thought I heard you say that Laius was killed at a place where three highways meet.’’ Which motivated him to knowing the truth, because he had a clue what Jocasta was talking about, he understood her and could have relate to it. He is very determined for the truth, and eventually he will achieve this as he further investigates into it. Oedipus final enters the revelation stage, when he realizes that he killed his father and married his mother.

This is probably the worst feeling anyone could ever have, it is the most unnatural and unthinkable act to ever commit. Oedipus’s realization is so sad, for one can feel his pain by his words. He says as stated on page 69 ‘’ oh god! It had all come true. Light, let this be the last time I see you. I stand revealed born in shame, married in shame, and unnatural murderer.’’ Oedipus then plucks out his eyes, so he may see the sin he has committed through his children. The realization of the truth is supposed to be good. For when you are a child, to tell the truth was good but in this case the truth is very grim. This is exactly why the truth has more of an impact on the audience. People understand the truth as begin well, whereas in this play the truth is bad, and Oedipus is punished for it. Oedipus’s motivation takes a different course at this point as we very well can see. In the beginning his motivation was in concern with what was true. When the truth was presented to him, he was primarily concerned for his children and he asked Creon to care for his children. In final consideration by the end of the play Oedipus had no motivation, because he had no reason to live. This was a very tragic ending indeed.

I admire Oedipus’s character, because he took responsibilities with honor. He tried to control his fate, even though his intentions were good, which was another question ask. How much control do human begins have over their own lives? I highly believe NONE what is meant to happen will happen. For example a human life is like a storm, it don’t matter how much to try make preparations in advance to avoid the storm it is still going to come. Whether is come tomorrow, next week or in another year or two. It will come you have no control over it. He chose to live his life in truth, and was motivated for it. He didn’t want to live it in a dark mist, and this is an honorable thing to do. Most people would say he is terrible for the acts he committed, but is it really his fault? I believe that is a question the readers of Oedipus should be asked. There is nothing he could have done to change his course, for it was his destiny. I believe Oedipus to be an honorable man, and I respect him for his honesty and courage.