How we cite our quotes: (Line)
Quote #7
CREON. I see you an unhappy stranger,
Always a wanderer, leaning on one
Handmaiden, deprived of livelihood. (745-47)
Creon knew Oedipus from before, way back when, so he can recognize the transformation that Oedipus has undergone. His suffering-induced makeover has made him into a man without a home, with Antigone as his prop (can’t he get a cane?) and without a penny to his name.
Quote #8
OEDIPUS. What is the deed you are threatening me with?
CREON. Of your two daughters, I have just seized
One and sent her away! The other I will take soon!
OEDIPUS. Oh! (817-20)
Creon hits Oedipus where it hurts. You’d think he’d hit rock bottom, but Creon finds a way to make him even unhappier than he already is. By kidnapping Oedipus’ daughters Creon manages to inspire a cry of despair in the poor guy. That “Oh!” should be read as the sound of pure suffering, the Ancient Greek equivalent of a screamo song.
Quote #9
OEDIPUS. Dearest of men—for I recognized your voice—
I have suffered terrible things at the hands of this man just now!
THESEUS. What sort of things? Who does you harm, Speak!
OEDIPUS. Creon here, whom you see, has torn away
From me my two children, my only pair! (891-95)
Help us Theseus, you're our only hope. When Theseus comes back to see what the trouble is, he represents Oedipus’ only chance at getting his daughters back. To get from the depths of despair back to his regular, mild suffering, Oedipus needs Theseus to save him. The language he uses to describe his pain, having his children “torn away” reflects the violent act of tearing out his eyes, so his suffering must be great.