Plot:
The play begins in Thebes, a city plagued by a mysterious pestilence. The people of Thebes believe that the plague is a punishment from the gods for the murder of their former king, Laius, whose killer has never been found.
Oedipus, the current king of Thebes, seeks to uncover the truth behind Laius's murder and restore order to the city. With the help of the prophet Tiresias, Oedipus learns that he is the one responsible for Laius's death, fulfilling a prophecy that had been made years earlier.
As the truth unfolds, Oedipus is horrified and guilt-ridden, learning that he had unwittingly married his own mother, Jocasta, and that his children are therefore his half-siblings.
Unable to bear the shame and guilt of his actions, Oedipus blinds himself and goes into exile, leaving Thebes to be ruled by his brother-in-law, Creon. The play ends with Oedipus lamenting his tragic fate and emphasizing the power of fate and destiny in human life.
Oedipus Rex explores themes of fate, free will, the limits of human knowledge, and the consequences of one's actions. It is considered a masterpiece of ancient Greek literature and is widely regarded as one of the greatest tragedies ever written.