"Oedipus Rex" Summary

classics | 148 pages | Published in 1867

ISBN_13:	9780486268774
ISBN_10:	0486268772

Estimated read time: 1 min read

One Sentence Summary

The tragic story of a man who unknowingly fulfills a prophecy by killing his father and marrying his mother.

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What is the main plot of Oedipus Rex?
The play follows the story of Oedipus, the king of Thebes, who discovers that he has unwittingly killed his father and married his mother, fulfilling a prophecy that he sought to avoid.
What are the major themes in Oedipus Rex?
The major themes in Oedipus Rex include fate vs. free will, the consequences of ignorance, the nature of truth, and the conflict between individual and community.
Who are the key characters in Oedipus Rex?
The key characters in Oedipus Rex include Oedipus, Jocasta, Creon, Tiresias, and the Chorus.
What is the significance of the Sphinx in Oedipus Rex?
The Sphinx in Oedipus Rex is a symbol of riddles and knowledge. Oedipus solves the Sphinx's riddle, which leads to him becoming the king of Thebes, but later the Sphinx becomes a metaphor for the unknowable and tragic nature of fate.
How does Oedipus Rex reflect Greek tragedy?
Oedipus Rex reflects Greek tragedy through its exploration of the downfall of a noble character due to a fatal flaw, the presence of a chorus to provide commentary, and the examination of universal themes such as fate and the limits of human understanding.