One of the major distinguishing features of this amazing
play is the way that practically almost every line is full of dramatic irony concerning
the way in which Oedipus sets out on a kind of detective quest where he is unaware that
it is actually himself who is the criminal. This quote you have highlighted is a perfect
example of how this operates, as Oedipus publicly declares his intention to find the man
responsible for the death of the former king of Thebes, and ironically states that he
does this to protect himself. Note how he utters the fear that the murderer might wish
to punish Oedipus himself.
Such a quote therefore
highlights the way in which Oedipus is clueless about the impending discovery and the
tragedy that this unveiling of his own involvement in the present calamity faced by
Thebes. The dramatic irony is sharp and biting when Oedipus says that his motive for
finding the murderer is to stop himself being harmed and punished, when we know that the
very process of finding out the identity of the murder will be the ultimate undoing of
Oedipus.
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