... rid this city of its" plight. Oedipus must get rid of the man who killed the former king, Laius. From the beginning of the story, the reader already knows that Oedipus himself killed Laius. It is tragic because Oedipus must die to help his city. Not only does this fact create a tragic hero, but it also creates tragic irony. By definition, tragic irony is the revealing to an audience of a ... up to kill his father and marry his mother. The readers also know that Oedipus" father was King Laius. Oedipus does not know about this prophecy or that Laius was his father. Once the citizens call u...

• Word Count: 1207
• Approx Pages: 5
• Grade Level: High School

... the play. Swegles 2 The beginning lines in the First Episode sets the stage for dramatic tension within the play. Oedipus" opening speech to the gathered audience is consumed with dramatic irony. "Until now I was a stranger to this tale, as I had been a stranger to the crime" (10). The audience knows that Oedipus killed his father and therefore being aware of his fate, the audience can distinguish the horror of Oedipus" threat against the murderer of King Laius. The ... first ironic words spoken by Oedipus creates a dramatic tension in the play, which will be evident in nearly every sce...

• Word Count: 823
• Approx Pages: 3
• Grade Level: High School