King Oedipus is a play in which the plot is based on dramatic irony. As of the second episode, the spectator is aware of the fact that Oedipus is responsible for the troubles in Thebes. The main characters of the plot, however, do not know of Oedipus" involvement in this ordeal. The shepherd who is called upon by the court for questioning introduces the turning point of the play by revealing the truth. He is an essential plot device in King Oedipus.
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The shepherd is related to the plot in two ways. In the past he had been entrusted with Oedipus by Jocasta and was ordered to destroy the baby. The shepherd who hadn't the heart to do so gave the child to a messenger, saving Oedipus" life. Without him, Oedipus wouldn't have lived to become king of Thebes.The old man is also related in the play for he was the sole survivor from Oedipus" attack upon king Laius" convoy. The shepherd's life was spared. One may say that this is a sign of mysticism for, without knowing, by sparing the old man's life, Oedipus repayed the shepherd who had once saved his life. Yet at the same time Oedipus spared the life of the man who would eventually come back to reveal the truth about his doomed past. The fact that the shepherd was involved in both situations show his vital importance to the play. .
The function of his brief appearance in the plot is to reveal and confirm the truth about Oedipus" origin and his doomed destiny. Until the messenger's arrival shortly before the shepherd's entrance, the characters of the play did not know the true cause of the troubles in Thebes. Only the spectator knew of Oedipus" foredoomed destiny and was aware of his involvement in the ordeal. The messenger introduces the revelation of Oedipus" past, but much remains unanswered until the shepherd's arrival. The shepherd reluctantly confirms the truth. The old man's reluctance is shown when he answers the messenger "with frightened eyes", when he says "I wish i might have died that very day" and "Twill be my death to tell it".
