Recognition In Oedipus The King

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All the clues lead to the reversal of Oedipus, which is him repenting from ignoring the signs that are taken over by his own dogmatism. However, there are a few occurrences that leads to his recognition. For example there is the signs that are given to him by Tiresias and Creon and Loxias as he states, “Why, Loxias declared that I should one day marry my own mother, and with my own hands shed my father’s blood. . .” (36). This becomes ingrained onto the back of his head and the idea that he might go through such troubles since he does believe it enough that he moves away from Corinth -- where he thought his parents lived, which is one of the first realizations that then leads up to his reversal. Then the revelations continue as a messenger …show more content…
The quote also prepares the reader, in a way, to prepare for what is to come -- the first heavy hit. Upon the story of the old man to settle the doubts of Oedipus’ history and the revelation of the truth, Oedipus then has his moment of recognition; “ Woe! Woe! It is plain, indeed! O Light, This be the last time I shall gaze on thee, Who am revealed to have been born of those of whom I ought not -- to have wedded whom I ought not -- and slain whom I might not slay!” (page 42). Moment of recognition in part by Oedipus is revealed; he conveys that he recognizes but at the same time also regrets lots of those things like: not knowing his real parents, marrying his mother, and killing his father. Through this ordeal the moral order does become less rigid by the fact that Oedipus the ruler is vulnerable, and his ego and his power as king are also in limbo, which leads to physical and detrimental bad happenings. However, I don't think it is adequate for restoring moral order, as a matter a fact I think that it was a bit too much; I mean his whole life was turned inside out in a matter of minutes. In that sense, I think it does create a great example, but to a great extent; the law is restored, I assume, but justice being served is
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