Have you ever been lied to by someone you care about, only to discover the truth by a complete stranger? If you have, you probably understand the importance of honesty. Whether a person knows the truth about something can determine his/her whole future. The play, Oedipus the King, illustrates that despite all consequences, the truth should be known.
In the beginning of the play, Oedipus's brother-in-law Creon was sent to visit the Gods. There was a terrible pestilence in the city after the previous king's death, and Creon was supposed to find out how the city could rid itself of it. When Creon returned, he bore the message, .
"The man is dead; and now, we are clearly.
bidden.
To bring to account certain his murderers (pg. 6).".
If you believe in God, you could say that this quote definitely proves that the truth about the king's death should have been known if it was God's will. This is how the Greeks felt, and we know that it was God's will that the murderer(s) be known because it was what Creon was told. .
Along with the advice from the Gods, Oedipus himself gave a second piece of evidence that proves the truth should've been known throughout the play. Trying to follow God's will for the city, he went about finding King Lauis's murderer. Referring to the killer, Oedipus said, .
"I bid that man shew the whole truth to me; .
For he shall suffer no disparagement,.
Except to quit the land, unscathed (pg. 13).".
Oedipus obviously thought that honesty was the best policy because he was willing to lessen the punishment for the guilty, as long as he/she came forward. .
Another time Oedipus admitted that the truth should've been known was after he unknowingly cursed himself and his family. When he found out what he had done, he said, .
"Me miserable! It seems I have but .
now .
Proffered myself to a tremendous curse.
Not knowing (pp.
