Oedipus is the most widely known of all Sophocles’ plays. This is primarily because of the psychological concept of the “Oedipal Complex” that Sigmund Freud named for the play’s protagonist. After hearing his prophesied fate was to kill his father and then marry is mother, Oedipus tried everything to ensure that this very thing did not happen. However, the very actions taken to avoid this fate led him to fulfill the prophecy.
Oedipus’ ignorance of his parenthood, combined with his anger, pride, and determination leads him to discover the horror of his past actions.
ANAGNORISIS
He believed that could defy prophecy and Tiresias’s warnings.
NEMESIS
When the messenger arrives from Corinth, he tries to relieve Oedipus by telling he was adopted. This is the point where Oedipus begins to unravel the tale of his life.
CATHARSIS
Oedipus realizes the terrible truth. Despite all his efforts - because of them - he has killed his father and married his mother. The prophecy they tried to avoid came true.
Oedipus’s fate is prophesied as a newborn, he tries to escape it, but by his actions works against his own interests.
The audience sees Oedipus, flawed but still great, brought low by fate. Pitying his tragic circumstances, they fear their own hubris or anger could lead to catastrophe.