Maggie ONeill

Mr. Jackson

World Literature Honors

3 November 2016

Oedipus Rex Quotes

1. The man is dead; and now, we are clearly bidden to bring to account certain his

murders. - Creon, pg. 4

a. This is an example of dramatic irony because the audience knows that Oedipus is

the one who killed his father Laius but Oedipus is not aware of this.

2. What matter thou wilt compass--either strange, or once again recurrent as the seasons

change, - Chorus, pg. 6

a. This quote is a metaphor comparing the strange situation of Laiuss death to the

changing of the seasons.

3. If you suppose your arrogance weighs aught, apart from reason, you are much astray. -

Creon, pg. 20

a. This is an example of characterization because it shows how others perceive

Oedipuss arrogance and self-righteousness. They believe it clouds his judgement.

4. Nay, the reproach, it may be came through stress of anger, than advisedly - I Senator,

pg. 19

a. This is an example of characterization because it describes Oedipus as being rash

and quick to make judgements when he is angry. His impulsivity is reminiscent of

several heroes such as Hercules.

5. Blind as you are in eyes, ears, and mind. - Oedipus, pg. 14

a. This is an example of dramatic irony because the audience knows that it is

Oedipus being blind to the evidence pointing to him, and not Tiresias being blind.

6. I shall dispel this plague spot; for the man, whoever it may be, who murdered him,

lightly might hanker to serve me the same. - Oedipus pg. 6

a. Dramatic irony, since Oedipus is calling for the death of the man that killed the

king, which is actually him and he doesn't know.

7. Nay it cannot be that having such a clue I should refuse to solve the mystery of my

parentage. - Oedipus pg. 38

a. This is an example of dramatic irony because the clue that he has points to him

being the killer, and he still is not aware.

8. "O prophecies of the gods, where are you now? Polybus was the man Oedipus feared he

might killand so avoided him all this time. And now he's deada natural death, and

not by the hand of Oedipus." - Jocasta, pg. 34

a. This is an example of foreshadowing because Jocasta is saying that the prophecy

ended up not coming true, but she is about to find out that it was true.

9. He was tall; the first white flowers had blossomed in his hair; his figure was not much

unlike your own. - Jocasta, pg. 27

a. This is an example of dramatic irony because we know that Oedipus is the son

Laius, but Jocasta and Oedipus do not know.

10. ...if you can catch me in a lie, then come and say that I am no true seer. - Tiresias, pg.

17
 a. This is an example of foreshadowing because Tiresias will not be caught in a lie,

and he really is a true seer.

11. In matters where I have no cognizance, I hold my tongue. - Creon, pg. 21

a. This is an example of dramatic irony because we know that Creon honestly does

not know anything, but Oedipus believes he is the killer.

2. To throw away an honest friend is, as it were, to throw your life away. - Creon, pg. 22

a. This is an example of characterization because Creon is the reasonable brother

who uses logic and reason.

3. I say that you are Laius murderer -- He whom you speak. - Tiresius, pg. 14

a. This is an example of foreshadowing because it reveals that the man Oedipus is

searching to kill is actually himself.

4. Say what you please; it will be said in vain. - Oedipus, pg. 14

a. This is an example of characterization because it shows that Oedipus is

close-minded and in denial. He does not have any concerns about the murderer

being him because he is so quick to blame other people.