Use Of Dramatic Irony In Oedipus The King
Oedipus Rex a Greek tragedy written by Sophocles in the early days of antiquity is based upon an even more ancient story in Greek mythology. Sophocles, however, knowing that his audience is aware of the outcome of the play utilizes that foreknowledge to create various situations in which dramatic and verbal irony play key roles.
Through his use of irony Sophocles manages to avoid simply retelling an old tale, though the audience is cognizant of the story's end they are intrigued by the irony present in the story. For instance when Oedipus pronounces his curse upon the head of King Laius's murderer in the opening scenes of the play :
So will I fight on the gods' side,
And on the side of the slain man!
But my curse be on the one who did this, whether he is alone
Or conceals his share in it with others.
Let him be free of no misery if he share my house
Or sit at my hearth and I have knowledge of it.
On myself may it fall, as I have called it......
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Approximate Word Count: 1788
Approximate Pages: 8 (250 words per double-spaced page)
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