Oedipus

How Confusion Creates Anticipation If the superiority of a work of literature is based on its ability to arouse in the reader a combination of delight and anxiety, then Sophocles has succeeded in Oedipus Rex. His work provides its readers with a healthy confusion of pleasure and disquietude. These elements contribute to the effectiveness and purpose of the story. Three major sources that produce this healthy confusion are the prophecy of Tiresias, and the arrival …showed first 75 words of 515 total…

…showed last 75 words of 515 total…action and is anxious to learn about his final outcome. By providing the reader with background knowledge and keeping Oedipus from knowing the truth until the end, the experience of the reader is enhanced. Sophocles’ ability to create in the reader this healthy confusion of pleasure and disquietude in Oedipus Rex exemplifies the superiority of his work. This uneasiness supplies the audience with a temptation that is needed in all great short stories. (518) ------------------------------------------------------------------------ **Bibliography**