The play King Oedipus by Sophocles is a Greek tragedy, which explores the irony of fate. That is, no mortal man regardless of his status, intelligence or wealth can predict the future. The story revolves around Oedipus, a man who is eventually humbled by his downfall. I agree with the statement "An overwhelming sense of irony permeates the play" as dramatic irony is a defining characteristic and element of the play. It encourages the audience to sympathise with the main character yet also creates a sense of fear that his tragedy could become their own. Unconscious irony frequents the play. This occurs when a character speaks of a situation or person in which he or she believes is the truth however the audience is positioned to know that they are not. Sophocles" employs foreknowledge to create this type of irony. Conscious irony is evident when a character knows the truth but is hesitant to reveal it therefore he or she speaks cryptic lines that are deliberately ironic to the audience. Even though the audience knows the outcome, they want to discover how Oedipus reacts to events mentally. Irony is utilized to enhance the symbolic comparisons between sight and blindness, light versus darkness, fate versus free will, wisdom and in regard to Oedipus, Thebes and his family. .
Irony has an important role in exploring the topic of trusting in the Gods throughout the play. Ironically, every time a character attempts to avert the path that has been predicted for them, they fail. It is ironic, yet almost contradictory that it is human to avoid what is predestined but in living up to his flaw (hubris) the tragic hero brings upon his own condemnation. The truth revealed by Oedipus" search fulfils the oracles" prophesies. Instead of depending on the Gods, he relies on his own ability to discover the facts of his fate. It is ironic that Oedipus" rejection of the oracle exposes their power. Teiresias agrees, stating (his gift is Oedipus") "great misfortune and ruin".
