Where do we begin? In Oedipus at Colonus the main character, Oedipus, has got 99 problems. He’s blind, and what’s worse, he’s blind because he plucked out his own eyes. Ouch. His wife killed herself after she realized that he was her son (oops), and their son then drove him out of town to exile. Oh yeah, and he’s broke as a joke. Don't forget—we're talking about a former king here, people.
His only comfort is that he might die soon, which is really no way to live. Poor Oedipus is the picture of suffering, but in the play his pain is portrayed as just; he deserves it whether his crimes were intentional or not.
Questions About Suffering
- Who suffers more, Antigone or Oedipus? Why?
- Why must Oedipus suffer if his crimes were involuntary?
- Why do you think that the Furies take pity on Oedipus and let him die peacefully after all of his suffering?
- How can we tell that Oedipus has been suffering? How do his actions, words, and appearance reveal his suffering?
Chew on This
Try on an opinion or two, start a debate, or play the devil’s advocate.
In Oedipus at Colonus, suffering serves to cleanse Oedipus of his sins.
Oedipus’ suffering is senseless and unnecessary.