Insecurity is something that everyone can relate to. Self-doubt is common and they often need support to feel like the people others think of them. Oedipus rex, written by Sophocles explores King Oedipus’s insecurities as he searches for King Laios’s killer.
Oedipus’s crowning as King is the beginning of the play. The Sphinx’s conquest is already a distant memory. Oedipus’ wealth and position are obvious, yet he is filled with insecurity. He fears that he will lose everything he had worked for, including his Kingship. Oedipus shows his fear by attacking Kreon when he brings him a blind prophet who reveals what Oedipus believes to be false prophecies.
Oedipus: ‘Do You Think I Do Not Know?
You plotted my death, you plotted the theft of my throne.
In God’s name, tell me: am I a coward?
You should imagine that you can achieve this.
What fool would not have seen your slick game?
Sophocles (51), “A coward, to not fight when you see it?”
Oedipus is selfish and instead of a calm, rational assessment, he blames Kreon his own brother. Kreon receives a series of violent and sinister words from Oedipus, such as “plotted”, or “kill”. These insults show how angry and upset Oedipus was at that time. His reaction is childish and immediate. Oedipus strikes back without considering the consequences and breaks a close family relationship. Oedipus banishes Kreon, despite Kreon’s protestations. Oedipus insecurities are revealed by the words he used to hurt Kreon.
Sarah Boxer, a reporter for the New York Times, clarifies her idea. She says, “Oedipus should not be pitied, because he is guilty of unconscious crimes, but a guy who didn’t understand the crimes in his own tale” (Boxer 1, p. 1). This is an intriguing claim, especially since Oedipus always seems to be shocked by the new discoveries (relating to the murders) that are made throughout the play. Oedipus does not show any remorse later when he confesses to his wife that he has killed men while he is on his journey to another city. This is evidence that a dangerous and pathological personality is emerging.
Oedipus is still in his emotional instability after losing Kreon. He continues to hunt for the killer who killed King Laios. Oedipus is now apprehensive about being viewed as weak, so he must show his strength and courage to the populace by actively hunting down the killer. Oedipus gloats before his people, “You are all sick, but no one is worse than me.” The city is suffering alone. My spirit, however, is wailing for you all (Sophocles 84). Oedipus cannot escape his feelings when people ask the mighty king to help them destroy the plague. Instead of focusing solely on his people, he claims to be “sicker” and “more suffering” than any other person. It’s strange, yet human. How is it that the king lives in a palace with luxury, and yet suffers more in his own city than anyone else? Oedipus sleeps in a soft, warm bed while his neighbors die on the street and are unable to feed themselves. Oedipus’ boasting of a superiority to suffering inadvertently shows his audience how insecure he is and that, ironically he may be sicker psychologically. The King’s lack of concern for the suffering of his people makes him appear completely self-absorbed. Oedipus can only help his citizens if he lets go his pride. It is clear that Oedipus does not see the plague as a serious problem. Instead, he views it as an opportunity to gain more respect from the people.
A medical journal explains that this plague was very serious in ancient Greece. The journal states that the plague in Thebes, which is the opening scene in the drama, was historically often interpreted to be a reference the plague in Athens, during the first years of Peloponnesian warfare. (Kosoulis etc.). The extent of the destruction this plague caused in Greece only shows how little Oedipus really cared for his people.
Oedipus is oblivious of the plague that is ravaging his people, but he uses pride to protect himself from doubt. This is most evident in the chorus opinion: “The tyrant drinks from his sickening, reckless cup of vanity and pride” (Sophocles 54). Oedipus blames his tyrannical behavior on pride when he accuses Kreon, the blind seer Teiresias and others of treason. Oedipus constantly reminds the audience of his many achievements as a ‘great king’. Citizens, in an attempt to flatter him, repeatedly mention Oedipus’s conquest of Sphinx. When he is feeling insecure, the mere recalling of this event helps him to feel better. Oedipus uses his accomplishments to protect his reputation, as if he thought they would be enough to compensate for the evil he did or cover his disturbed character.
Dr. Jeffrey Rubin makes an unexpected claim after studying King Oedipus’ psychology in detail. He says that Oedipus Rex starts with parental aggression. This claim implies Oedipus did not cause his own problems. Instead, it was caused by the parents. Oedipus’s incestuous and murderous nature could have been avoided if Oedipus’s parents had listened to the fated tale.
Sophocles has done a great job of portraying Oedipus Rex as a universal figure. Oedipus rex’s insecurities in front of his people and the fear of appearing a fool pushes the play to its inevitable end. This work is a masterpiece of writing that leaves its audience with the bitter taste of what it feels like to be thrown into ruin.
