Exile and Isolation: Transformation in Oedipus at Colonus

Abstract

In the second play of the trilogy, Oedipus the King, Oedipus, solves the riddle of the Sphinx, saves Thebes and becomes its king. Proud and nonchalant, he openly criticized the person who is the cause of pollution and the long aridity in Thebes. He also announces a harsh punishment by saying, “Drive him out, each of you, from every home. He is the plague, the heart of our corruption” (275), without the knowledge of him being the culprit. He also promises to bring justice to Laius’ murder, saying, “So, I will fight for him as if he were my father” (301), being unaware that Laius is his father. This highlights the tragic irony of his situation.