1. Oedipus' Discovery of His True Identity:
One of the central peripeteia in the play occurs when Oedipus discovers that he has unknowingly killed his father, Laius, and married his mother, Jocasta. This revelation comes as a shock to Oedipus, who had been searching for the murderer of Laius and believed himself to be the savior of Thebes. The discovery completely changes his life and sets him on a path of self-destruction.
2. The Blindness Metaphor:
After learning the truth about his past, Oedipus blinds himself as a form of punishment for his actions. This physical peripeteia symbolizes his inner blindness and the destruction of his world. Oedipus' blindness serves as a metaphor for his inability to see the truth and the consequences of his actions.
3. Creon's Revelation:
Another peripeteia occurs when Creon, Oedipus' brother-in-law, reveals that the oracle had predicted that Oedipus would kill his father and marry his mother. This revelation adds another layer of tragedy to Oedipus' story, as it shows that his fate was predetermined and he was ultimately powerless to escape it.
4. Jocasta's Suicide:
The play reaches a climax when Jocasta, Oedipus' mother and wife, commits suicide after discovering the truth about their relationship. This event further compounds Oedipus' suffering and guilt, as he is left to face the consequences of his actions alone.
These instances of peripeteia in Oedipus Rex create a sense of dramatic irony, where the audience is aware of the truth while the protagonist remains in ignorance. The sudden reversals and changes in fortune contribute to the tragic nature of the play and evoke pity and fear in the audience, which are key elements of Aristotelian tragedy.