Plot events: Oedipus the King
1. The city of Thebes is in turmoil because of a plague that has fallen over the city.
2. Oedipus says he is suffering more than the townspeople because he is taking on the
pain of the people as well as his own pain.
3. Creon enters and shares the information that the murderer of Laius is in Thebes and has
gone unpunished. Apollo charges that his death must be avenged.
4. Oedipus asks why they didn’t avenge him when he was killed, and Creon’s response is
because of the riddle of the Sphinx.
5. Oedipus declares he will find the truth.
6. Teiresias the blind prophet enters, and Oedipus asks him to tell the truth of what
happened to Laius.
7. Teiriesias refuses to tell the plain story. Instead he says “You are the man whose crime
pollute our city.” (line353)
8. Teiresias tells Oedipus pretty much the truth, and he ignores it. Instead he accuses
Teiresias of plotting against him.
9. Creon enters and Oedipus argues with him; he accuses him of plotting against him as
well.
10. Creon tells him I wouldn’t want to be king. Why would I want your job?
11. Jocasta stops the fight and tells Oedipus not to exile Creon.
12. Jocasta shares the prophecy on page 72.
13. Oedipus beings to realize the truth.
14. Oedipus shares his story-he heard the prophecy and never returned to Corinth.
15. Oedipus sends for the shepherd to tell of the murder of Laius.
16. Shepherd from Corinth enters and tells Oedipus his father Polybus has died. Corinth
wants Oedipus to come and become king.
17. The man from Corinth tells Oedipus that he found him with his feet clamped and gave hi
to the king and his wife in Corinth as a gift. He says it was Laius’ son.
18. Jocasta pleads with him to stop asking questions about this.
19. Theban man comes and confirms the story of the man from Corinth.
20. Jocasta is found dead after committing suicide.
21. Oedipus uses Jocasta’s brooches to gauge out his eyes.
22. He begs Creon to take care of his daughter Antigone and Ismene because they will
forever be scared by their past.
23. Oedipus is going to leave Thebes.