As the investigation progresses, Oedipus learns more and more about the circumstances surrounding Laius's death. He eventually discovers that he is the one who killed Laius, and that he has also married his own mother, Jocasta. Oedipus is horrified by these revelations, and he blinds himself in shame. He then leaves Thebes and goes into exile.
Oedipus the King is a powerful and moving tragedy that explores the themes of fate, free will, and the limits of human knowledge. The play is considered to be one of the greatest works of ancient Greek literature.
Here is a more detailed summary of the plot:
* The play begins with Oedipus, the king of Thebes, trying to find out why the city is suffering from a plague.
* The oracle of Delphi declares that the only way to end the plague is for the murderer of the previous king, Laius, to be found and punished.
* Oedipus vows to find the murderer, and he begins an investigation.
* Oedipus learns that Laius was killed at a crossroads, and that there were two witnesses to the murder.
* The witnesses say that the murderer was a young man, and that he was accompanied by a group of men.
* Oedipus suspects that the murderer is his brother-in-law, Creon, and he arrests him.
* Creon denies the charges, and he says that Oedipus is the real murderer.
* Oedipus is shocked by this accusation, but he continues his investigation.
* Oedipus eventually learns that he is the one who killed Laius.
* Oedipus also learns that he has married his own mother, Jocasta.
* Oedipus is horrified by these revelations, and he blinds himself in shame.
* Oedipus then leaves Thebes and goes into exile.