Oracle's Prophecy: Oedipus's life is intertwined with a dark prophecy revealed by the oracle of Delphi. It predicts that he will kill his own father and marry his mother, bringing immense suffering to his kingdom.
Exposure: In an attempt to thwart the prophecy, Oedipus's parents abandon him as an infant. He is found and raised by Polybus and Merope, the king and queen of Corinth, who unwittingly become his adoptive parents.
Fulfillment of the Prophecy: Unaware of his true lineage, Oedipus consults the oracle in adulthood after learning rumors about his uncertain origins. The oracle's warning matches the prophecy, leading him to flee Corinth, fearing he might harm Polybus and Merope.
Parricide and Incest: Oedipus, while traveling to Thebes, unknowingly encounters Laius, his real father, on the road. A conflict arises, and in the ensuing struggle, Oedipus kills Laius, unaware of their relationship. Later, he arrives in Thebes and solves the riddle of the Sphinx, earning him the throne and inadvertently marrying Jocasta, his biological mother.
Discovery and Downfall: Years later, a plague plagues Thebes, and the oracle reveals that the only way to appease the gods is to uncover and punish the person responsible for Laius's murder. Guided by the blind seer Tiresias and through his own investigation, Oedipus gradually uncovers the truth about his origins and actions.
Self-Revelation and Punishment: When the full extent of his tragic fate is revealed, Oedipus is horrified by his unwitting crimes. Feeling unworthy to face his people and the gods, he blinds himself with Jocasta's brooch and goes into voluntary exile, lamenting the tragic turn of events that fulfilled the oracle's prophecy.
Oedipus's Tragic Flaw: Oedipus's hubris and belief in controlling his destiny, despite divine warnings and external circumstances, lead him down the path of tragedy. His character flaw—excessive pride and resistance to fate—ultimately brings about the downfall of both Oedipus and his family.
Moral Lessons and Catharsis: The play reflects on the themes of fate, destiny, and the tragic consequences of human actions and limitations. It explores the idea that even the most noble and wise may fall victim to circumstances beyond their control, instilling a sense of awe and pity in the audience and generating emotional catharsis.