Edipous

Opening Scene: Oedipus Arrives

The Death of King Laius or Murder?

The Chosen One

This is the entrance scene, Oedipus asks the crowd about their problems and is faced with a rambling priest about all the bad things happening. A messenger is brought and they look to find a solution to their problems. This scene is important because we are first met with Oedipus, and see how others view him.

This scene is after Creon goes and asks the gods for help. Apollo informs them the only way to get rid of all the bad things happening is 'blood for blood', avenging Laius's death. It gives us insight that the event was robbers attacking king Laius and his men during their trip to pray to the gods. This scene is significant because only one of the men who witnessed the attack survived, and he had forgotten all but some.

This is a scene of Oedipus warning all that if they knew of the murderer and told they would live good lives, while those who knew and helped hide the fact would lead horrible ones. Oedipus even went as far as saying that if he knew the killer he would face the same consequences. This scene is special because they want the gods to just tell them who it was and only one person can persuade the gods.