Analysis of "Oedipus Rex"

The Greek statesman Sophocles writes the tragedy Oedipus Rex in the year 440 B.C. This tragedy is generally regarded as Sophocles' greatest masterpiece. Even Aristotle writes in his famous book Poetics that the purpose of a tragedy is to arouse pity and fear in the audience. Each of the plays in the Oedipus Trilogy achieves this goal that Aristotle defines to be the mark of the tragedy. The basic plot of Oedipus Rex is a …

…fall from power. When Oedipus finally learns the truth about his birth he is devastated and rushed back into the palace. Meanwhile the chorus laments Oedipus discovery. The blinding of Oedipus is to symbolize his lack of foresight and blindness to his past. He puts himself at Creon's feet and begs for mercy. His fall from pride and power is complete. He puts himself at the will of fate, finally understanding that fate is unavoidable.