Oedipus Rex

Dramatic irony is the most important element in this play. The metaphorical irony between the present and the past is existent all throughout this play. The dramatic irony as well as the metaphoricalemphasizes the twist of fate, which haunts the protagonist Oedipus the King. Although Oedipus himself and several other characters are not aware of the tragic events happening, the audience is. Thecharacter’s actions as well as their words are contradicting to the catastrophic events taking place.
The first example of dramatic irony is presented when it is announced that there is a plaguepolluting the crops as well as the woman. The crops are dying out and the women are infertile. Creon who is Oedipus’ brother in law reveals that the pollution was caused due to the fact that themurderer of their previous king Laius is still alive and in the town, as said by Creon “…We had a king called Laius. Apollo commanded that someone punish this dead man’s murderers.” Oedipus immediatelypromises the townspeople that he will save them as he has before. After demanding that he will bring justice he ends his speech by cursing the Laius’ murderer, “Upon the murderer I invoke this curse: mayhe live out his life in misery to miserable doom! A good man is dead. I will defend him as I would my own father.” The irony in Oedipus’ speech is crystal clear. Oedipus swears to bring justiceunknowingly being the murderer; he is a killer searching for no one but himself. In addition to this, he curses the murderer and says that he will defend him as if it were his own father when in reality; hekilled his own father, Laius.
Consequently, the chorus informs Oedipus that Teiresias is capable of seeing what Apollo sees and suggests that Oedipus inquires him to get better insight of thesituation. Oedipus insists that Teiresias tells him who the murderer is but Teiresias refuses and asserts that it will only bring pain. Oedipus becomes and accuses Teiresias of being a traitor. Not only...