Oedipus The King

              Beginning with line 295 of Oedipus The King, I found many examples of dramatic irony, identity and fate. The first example, from line 295, is, "Why, our seed might be the same." This quote, said by Oedipus, is an example of dramatic irony because Oedipus really IS related to Lauis. Oedipus is the Lauis' son. Additionally, on line 300, Oedipus says, "So I will fight for him as if he were my father." This is another example of dramatic irony because, once again, Lauis truly is Oedipus' father, even though Oedipus doesn't know that. However, on line 401, Tiresias reveals to Oedipus that he is the one who murdered Lauis after all. "You are the curse, the corruption of the land!" Tiresias tells Oedipus. This is an example of identity because it shapes who Oedipus is as a Greek hero.
             There are also many examples of fate in the text. On line 270, Oedipus says, Banish this man -whoever he may be- never shelter him, never speak a word to hi, never make him partner to your prayers, your victims burned to the gods. Never let the holy water touch his hands. Drive him out, each of you, from every home."This is an example of fate because Oedipus is talking about what should happen to the man who is responsible for Lauis' death. At this time, Oedipus doesn't know that he is really talking about what should happen to himself, as he gives instructions to the Leader about what to do to the killer. On line 283, Oedipus says, "Let that man drag out his life in agony, step by painful step," and on line 350, he says, "Uncover the murderers of Lauis, put them to death or drive them into exile." Both of these quotes also talk about what Oedipus thinks fate should hold for Lauis' killer, without knowing that it is in fact, Oedipus' own fate that he is discussing. (Making it an example of dramatic irony as well.) And finally, on line 388, Tiresias says, "What will come, will come." The old man tells this to Oedipus who demands to know who the murder of Lauis is. This quote hints at what Oedipus' fate will be in the end.