Representations of power in Oedipus Rex: A study of the characterisation of Oedipus, Jocasta and Teiresias.

Sophocles’ play Oedipus Rex, an ancient Greek tragedy inspired by the tragic demise of the once great ruler Pericles, is a tale of power. In this fateful downfall of the king, Sophocles plays out representations of power through the key characters of Oedipus, Jocasta and Teiresias; particularly evident in ways in which the characters interact and respond to prevailing circumstances whilst trying to resolve their own dilemmas. The actions of these key characters expose the nature of power in Oedipus Rex as corrosive and destructive. Oedipus is destroyed by his passion for the truth and the power he wields in seeking it and, his destruction is tragic in consequence.
As the play opens, Oedipus’ powers are formidable. Oedipus is the leader of the city of Thebes; the “City of Light”. He is a noble man entrusted by the people with the kingship of Thebes; a power bestowed upon Oedipus when he “broke [the] bondage [of Thebes] to the vile Enchantress” with the “[stopping] of the riddler’s mouth”. Oedipus is granted the power of “Cadmus’ ancient line” which comes with the responsibility for caring for the citizens of Thebes. When the supplicants appeal to King Oedipus to rid Thebes of the deadly pestilence, Oedipus responds willingly to their needs; “I will start afresh; and bring everything into the light.” This thirst for truth is destructive and his actions driven by self-promotion. Whilst Oedipus is reminded by the Priest that he is not “the equal of gods, but the first of men”, Oedipus is oblivious to their pointed words and instead continues to self-promote; “I, Oedipus, whose name is known afar” he cries.
Oedipus is ignorant of the “pestilence and famine” which has engulfed Thebes as he has distanced himself from the people of Thebes. He asks the citizens of