dramatic irony in oedipus rex

dramatic irony in oedipus rex

 

Dramatic Irony in Oedipus Rex

Dramatic irony is a situation in which a character's words and actions appear to be utterly opposite to the actual situation. Dramatic irony is employed well in Oedipus Rex.

the speeches of Oedipus, Jocasta, Creon, messenger and the chorus are full of dramatic irony. because they are completely unaware of the story's event. The greatest dramatic ironies, however, can be found in Oedipus' words. His statements were full of dramatic irony while he was trying to figure out who killed the king.

The drama starts with a group of applicants gathering in front of Thebes' palace. They beseech Oedipus to spare them from the horrible plague. And the dramatic irony starts with Oedipus' initial appearance and words in his monarchy garb.

Each syllable is overflowing with dramatic irony, just as the scenario itself is. The oppressed natives have pleaded for help to the person who is, in fact, the source of their misery. However, neither the people nor Oedipus comprehend it.

Oedipus' proclamation to identify the murderer of Lauis is likewise full with dramatic irony. Creon returns from Delphi with word that the city is in danger as a result of the last king Lauis' bloodshed. And the deplorable situation necessitates the slayer's exile or the payment of blood for blood. Oedipus immediately sets out to find the killer and declares that if the criminal confesses to his guilt, he will only face banishment rather than death. The dramatic irony resides in the fact that the killer is unwittingly looking for himself.

The argument scene between Oedipus and Teiressias is another pitiful example of dramatic irony. Teiresias is aware of the truth. He tells to Oedipus that he murdered his father and married his wife. However, Oedipus is completely unaware of the truth and cruelly mocks Teiresias. He says:

Shameless and brainless, sightless, senseless sot.

The scene between Oedipus and Jocasta, as well as the Messenger, contains the most suspenseful and tragic dramatic irony. Oedipus refers to Jocasta as 'O wife' or 'My wife.'

Jocasta's arguments are full of dramatic irony as she tries to disprove the oracles. When the messenger arrives to inform Oedipus of Polybus' death, Jocasta is overjoyed and joyfully cries.

Where are you new, divine …… By a natural death,

… no act of his!

All of Corinthiar messenger's comments are full with dramatic irony. The messenger informs Oedipus that he has brought him some good news as well as some bad news. It's tragic because Oedipus' father has died. And it's especially nice because Oedipus is about to be crowned. The dramatic irony, however, resides in the messenger's unawareness that by delivering the news, he is simply further complicating the matter. His announcement causes a complete 180-degree turn in the situation, and there is no dramatic irony after that, as the truth is progressively exposed to each of the individuals. The chorus, on the other hand, is still unaware of the actual implications of the messenger's message. In contrast to the actual situation, the chorus depicts Oedipus as the product of a coupling between a god and a mountain nymph. The presence of the Theban shepherd serves as a prelude to the last discovery, which marks the tragedy's conclusion.

To sum up our talk, dramatic irony is the most crucial part of the play since it creates tension and thus helps the play reach its conclusion.