The City of Thebes is polluted and diseased. Greeks believed pollution is contagious, as demonstrated by the chorus when they physically shrink away from Oedipus in fear of catching the pollution he carries, and a city can be affected by the actions of a person. In the Ancient World, there were three taboos, which were most against the Gods and most against everything that is right. These were killing a parent or family member, Cannibalism and lastly incest, for which there was no excuse.

Ancient Greeks cared deeply about the pursuit of knowledge. Although the truth was often a terrifying concept, they saw it as a crucial virtue. Sophocles uses the art of self-realisation to underline the theme of the tragedy. As Oedipus grows in terrifying self-knowledge, he changes from the heroic, prided, man of action King of Thebes to a tyrant in denial, viscously in search for the

We feel sympathy for Oedipus when Oedipus is on the point of discovery. He knows deep down the truth. He is waiting for confirmation.

The Sophoclean hero does not yield or compromise, even if it means he stands alone. He must always be true to himself, never be shamed and have a concept of his own self worth.

Sophocles shows in this play, the terrible tragedies that can occur from human goodness and sympathy, when he tells Oedipus he “pitied the little baby,” which was Oedipus. Everything moves from good intentions. If only the shepherd had disposed of the infant.

Even before Oedipus was conceived he was doomed. It was his entire tragic fate. Oedipus is doomed as he always was.

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