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Oedipus Denies the Truth

On Oedipus himself

His denial of the prophecy from the oracle makes him focus on his glory from the defeat of the sphinx, as opposed to the circumstances of the previous king's death (which he wouldn't really have cared too much about, until this food crisis/plague).

His denial of the truth makes his own sharp fall from grace even more dramatic and terrifying, and this is reflected in his vicious eye stabbing.

His denial of the truth allows Oedipus to discover the real truth about who his parents actually are, and as a consequence, the horrific and unspeakable travesties he has committed.

His denial of the truth leads him to get hot-headed towards Tiresias and cold with Creon, regarding him with great suspicion.

Causes

Oedipus has a stubborn personality and does not change his mind easily or quickly

Personality, lack of full info, Jocasta and outrageousness

Jocasta discredits the prophecies and convinces him to believe in their falsity

Self-preservation, brought curse down upon himself but wants to believe otherwise

The truth is too much to handle to much to contemplate/live with - it is such a horrible suggestion that Oedipus does not want to think about or believe it

He thinks that Tiresias is providing him false and outrageous information and that he has been "primed" by Creon

He is unaware of the true situation regarding his parents and genuinely believes he is right; lack of full information

He jumps to his own conclusions, and does not take into accont the information being providing to him

On the Plot

Oedipus' (and Jocasta's) agony at finally discovering the truth is heightened and made even more horrific and sufferable and hurting. They have delayed the moment of truth long enough and face the immense shock and fall from grace.

The search for the shepherd who witnessed the murder of Laius (as well as saving Oedipus from his death) is initiated. Oedipus hopes, against hope, that the tiny detail of 'thieves' vs 'one man' holds true, and so that his hands are clean of Laius' blood.

Jocasta reveals her information to Oedipus and he tells her the prophecy conferred to him by the oracle at Delphi. She does not know the full story and is possibly trying to deny the credibility of her prophecy.

Oedipus disputes with Creon the truth/falsity of Tiresias' prophecies. He is insistent that Tiresias is not speaking the truth and so Creon must therefore be using him to diminish Oedipus' reputation and elevate himself.

On the Other Characters

The Corinthian messenger feels obliged (and believes he will a receive a reward) to tell Oedipus that he was not Polybus and Merope's natural son.

Jocasta reinforces her opinion that prophecies are false. Her hanging gets delayed till the point where both realise the truth (fifth episode).

Tiresias is forced to fight back verbally to defend his position and skills. He is also forced to reveal the truth to Oedipus.

Creon is accused of treason and plotting against the king, and therefore Thebes, as Oedipus does not believe Tiresias' terrible messages.

Effects: On the Audience

Opportunity to think deep questions like 'to what extent is Oedipus' eventual outcome due to fate or his own (fateful?) actions...'

Audience can relate to not wanting to confront the worst aspects of their own lives or actions. ('what would you do?')

Tension is heightened and diminished several times in the play (in anticipation of Oedipus' own reaction) so the audience feels pity and fear leading to catharsis.

We learn more about the characters/characterisation. Eg Oedipus is keen to seek proof and evidence for himself, is unbending towards Creon and is stubbornly holding on to the glimmer of hope that he is not responsible for his father's death (and the rest of the prophecy coming true). And Jocasta is initially impious with regard to prophecies and gods' powers.

Dramatic irony as the original Greek audience (and modern one) know Oedipus' back-story, so to some extent some enjoyment, but eventually getting bored and fed up. (Especially as this is the main and recurrent action in the play.)

Allows plot to thicken and makes catharsis for audience even greater.