Oedipus Journal #5

Sophocles evokes fear and pity from the audience throughout the whole play. At the beginning the rage of Oedipus after he is accused by Tiresias of murdering Laius makes us fear what Oedipus is going to do. Also since the audience knows the result of the play, they feel pity for Oedipus because of the tragic truth of the situation. When Oedipus begins to accuse of Creon of treason and wants to execute him, is the climax of fear in the audience. When Oedipus finally realizes the truth and his whole life comes crashing down, pity reaches its highest point. This makes the audience feel a connection with the play. If the audience saw no emotional value in the play it would not be tragic.