Matthew Stewart
Reading Response #2
Prof. Peer
31, October 2017

Most of those who read an ancient Greek tragedy, such as ‘Oedipus’ by Sophocles, know exactly how the play concludes. Still, the text captivates the audience, putting us on the edge of our seats even though we know the outcome. Sophocles’ use of irony in ‘Oedipus’ is what really keeps the play suspenseful, regardless of the fact that the audience is aware as to what is going to unfold.
During Oedipus’ and Kreon’s initial exchange in the beginning of the tragedy, we are provided with several moments of irony that spark a sense of suspense in the reader. “Where do I find these men? How do I track vague footprints from a bygone crime?” (Line 122). Oedipus receives news from Kreon in regard to how to drive out the plague from Thebes. Of course, Laios’ killer must be purged. The audience is already aware of this, but Oedipus is not yet aware of the fact that he is indeed Laios’ killer. Oedipus shows us his desire to find the killer, although he is unsure how he is going to go about it. It’s quite ironic how Oedipus seems to be approaching this in a ‘detective-like’ fashion, as he would never suspect it is himself that is the plague of Thebes. Moments like this provide suspense to the audience, always wondering when he will realize that he is the killer of Laios.
Adding to the suspense of the play, Oedipus unknowingly curses himself. “I hereby outlaw the killer myself, by my own words, though I’m a stranger both to the crime and to accounts of it” (Line 262). Again, the irony of Oedipus’ words continues to build the suspense of the play. We know that Oedipus is most certainly not a “stranger” to the crime at all, but the fact that he is not aware of the truth is what creates the tension in the play. The audience continues to wait for the moment when the truth is revealed, and we know the moment will be huge, as Oedipus continues to talk about the killer as anyone but himself.
Oedipus is eventually given information leading him to believe that he may indeed have killed Laios, but he still is not 100% sure he did. He is also told about the prophecy, but is positive he couldn’t have killed his father or married his mother because he has left Korinth since finding out about the prophecy. “Apollo told me I would become my mother’s lover, that I would have my father’s blood on these hands. Because of that, I haven’t gone near Korinth.” (Line 1136). This drives the audience mad, as they realize Oedipus still believes he has not married his mother or killed his father. Several moments like this occur in the play and leave the audience questioning if Oedipus will ever realize what he has done by time the play ends. Although the play seems boring due to our knowledge of the Oedipus myth, the use of irony is what really makes this play enjoyable and fun to read. What seems obvious to the audience is completely unknown by the characters, which makes it that much harder to look away from.