Oedepus Rex

Oedipus Rex: The Quest for Truth
In the play Oedipus Rex by Sophocles, one of Oedipus’s strongest motivating forces is the desire to know the truth. Throughout the play, Oedipus is guarded from the truth and shocked by it’s reality, but ultimately he embraces it as his own. It is this journey, from confusion and pain to acceptance, which enables Oedipus to grow in wisdom.
Oedipus’ reign as king is characterized by his constant probing for the truth. Despite his prominent role in society, Oedipus’ life remains riddled with uncertainties. An ominous shadow looms over his past and his origins and has settled over his kingdom. Despite foreboding that this pollution of Thebes may be his own blood, Oedipus is determined to find the truth behind the mystery.
The first time Oedipus hears his name uttered as the murderer of the late K...