Oedipus

• Sophocles wrote Oedipus around 430bc
• [Prologue] The people of Thebes and a priest approach Oedipus to beg for help from the Plague. Oedipus has already sent Creon to Apollo for guidance who returns with a prophecy
• [Parodos] The chorus invokes Zeus, Apollo, Athene and Dionysus to come to their aid and save them from the plague.
• [episode 1] Oedipus summons Tiresias who first refuses to speak but being pushed by Oedipus in anger tells Oedipus that he killed his own father. Oedipus believes that Creon and Tiresias are trying to dethrone him
• [Choral Ode 1] They support Oedipus and don't want to believe Tiresias without proof
• [Episode 2] Oedipus still paranoid that Creon wants to overthrow him is comforted by Jocasta. Oedipus realises that he did murder Laius and has brought a curse upon himself. Jocasta says Prophets are lying
• [Choral Ode 2] They support Oedipus, they support the Agons and praise the gods, calling Jocasta proud for denouncing Prophets
• [Episode 3] Corinthian Messenger brings news of Polybus' death and crowns Oedipus as the new king of Corinth. Jocasta uses this as proof prophets lie but Oedipus' adoption is revealed.
• [Choral Ode 3] The chorus theorises on Oedipus' birth thinking he could be divine
• [Episode 4] The Theban shepherd is summoned and the whole truth is revealed, Jocasta realises first and runs inside because she cannot stand it
• [Chorus Ode 4] Everything sucks, the gods cursed human life to be wretched and futile
• [Episode 5] Messenger delivers the news of Jocasta's death and Oedipus' blinding. Oedipus requests a proper burial for Jocasta and to see his daughters again before he exiles himself
• [Exodos] Count no man happy until he dies, free of pain at last
• Oedipus' adoptive parents were Polybus and Merope