Oedipus

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Oedipus

In Sopohocles' tragedy "Oedipus the King", Oedipus proclaims " it
was I who have pronounced these curses on myself" (Madden 37). With this
announcement, Oedipus is aware that his pursuit for order has led to a life of
chaos. The central thesis is that the presumption of order establishes physical,
intellectual, and spiritual chaos. The text's reference to the sphinx, Oedipus,
and Tiresias creates this notion. These three literal signifiers are the
metaphoric symbolizers of physical, intellectual, and spiritual chaos. The
concept of physical chaos is first introduced during the first speech of the
priest when reference is made to the "harsh singer" (Madden 37), the
sphinx. In greek mythology, the sphinx is recognised as a hybrid creature with a
woman's head, a lion's body, an eagle's wings, and a serpent's tail. In reality,
"the virgin with the crooked talons" (Madden 48), is a unique
archetype for many things in one single being. The sphinx is an epitome of
destruction and chaos who establishes "the tax [they] had to pay
[her]" (Madden 17) because she devourers all who fail to answer her riddle.
Her domination of Thebes causes havoc and melancholic responses that are
directly related to the degree of her physical chaos. The confrontation between
Oedipus and the sphinx ends with the latter destroying herself, "the winged
maiden came against him: he was seen then to be skilled" (Madden 29), due
to Oedipus answering her riddle. By destroying herself, the sphinx makes it
possible for the oracles to come true. With her reign of terror at an end, the
sphinx makes it possible for Oedipus to continue with his life in pursuit of
order. Chaos is established because of the opportunity for the prophecies to
become an actuality. The physical appearance of the sphinx and her self-
destruction foreshadow chaos for Oedipus in the near future. As the sphinx is
the measure of highest physical chaos, so Oedipus is a measure of utmost
intellectual chaos. Oedipus, being the king of Thebes, portrays qualities that
signify intelligence, fortitude, and freedom from doubt. Oedipus' intelligence
is prominent upon knowledge of his ill faith; Oedipus, in his present state of
mind, interprets the prophecies made to him literally. This course of action
assists in the accomplishment of the oracles. "[Phoebus] said [Oedipus]
would be [his] mother's lover, show offspring to mankind [that] they could not
look at, and be his [father's] murderer. When [Oedipus] heard this, and ever...

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