Theme Of Dramatic Irony In Oedipus The King

In his Classical play, Oedipus the King, Sophocles portrays a suffering man who discovers that he has committed patricide and incest and realizes that he is unable to change his fate. Dramatic irony abounds in this tragedy. Unbeknownst to the characters, the characters’ actions and words have great significance. Sophocles’ use of dramatic irony underscores the themes of human ignorance and godlike knowledge.
Sophocles uses dramatic irony to stress the theme of ignorance. Oedipus is unaware that he is the plague to Thebes. For example, when Oedipus acknowledges that a curse has struck Thebes, he asserts: “I know too well, you all are sick, yet sick, not one so sick as I,” (Oedipus. prologue. Oedipus. lines 68-70). Here, Oedipus merely claims
Oedipus falsely believes that Tiresias is attacking his reputation. Oedipus’ ignorance is no more evident when he becomes irate because Tiresias blames him for being the plague of the city. Oedipus declares that Tiresias is a “purblind man: in ears and mind and vision,” (Oedipus. first episode. Oedipus. lines 428-430). Oedipus’ anger comes from his own ignorance. Because Oedipus is unaware that Tiresias is telling the truth, he believes that Tiresias is spouting lies in his anger. Moreover, Sophocles’ use of dramatic irony emphasizes Oedipus’ ignorance. Oedipus is unaware of his own identity. For instance, Oedipus reveals to Jocasta that he killed a man but is uncertain whether or not that man is Laius. Oedipus asserts, “Why, several bandits in your account, he claimed, cut down the King. If he will keep to several, I, as only one, am not the killer, not the same,” (Oedipus. choral dialogue. Oedipus. lines 979 - 982). Although Oedipus suggests that he is merely one, Oedipus ironically plays several roles in the tragedy. He serves as a king, husband, son, father, and brother. Sophocles’ use of dramatic irony underscores Oedipus’ ignorance because Oedipus falsely believes that Tiresias is spouting lies and blind to his own
For example, when Tiresias asserts, “The rotting canker in the State is you. I say that you and your most dearly loved are wrapped together in a hideous sin, blind to the horror of it,” (Oedipus. ode of entry. Tiresias. lines 423 - 426). Here, Tiresias demonstrates his knowledge by revealing that Oedipus is responsible for being the plague of Thebes. Despite being blind, Tiresias is clearly able to see that Oedipus has fulfilled his fate. Furthermore, Sophocles uses dramatic irony to underscore the theme of knowledge by portraying Oedipus’ knowledge. Oedipus does not have hubris in his knowledge. Oedipus’ knowledge is no more apparent when Oedipus stabs his own eyes and declares: “Wicked, wicked eyes! You shall not see me nor my crime, not see my present shame. Go dark for all time blind,” (Oedipus. epilogue. Oedipus. lines 1460-1463).Here, Oedipus shows humility because he is aware that he has failed to avoid his fate. Oedipus finally realizes that he is merely a mortal and knows his place under the gods. Ironically, his blindness marks the stage of his realization and knowledge. Sophocles uses dramatic irony to portray Tiresias’ knowledge because he is fully aware of Oedipus’ fate and Oedipus’ knowledge because Oedipus realizes that he is unable to change his