Oedipus+the+King+pages+35-37

Oedipus the King Pages [35-37], Lines (569-626) -Alex Yuan In this passage, Oedipus asks Creon why the old prophet Tiresias did not reveal the fact that a search for Liasus’ dead body was made. Creon replies Oedipus that he does not know why this is so. Oedipus, in a very irrational and infuriated state, then asks again if Creon knows why, thinking that Creon is keeping information away from him. Creon replies that if he knew the answer, he would have told Oedipus, and because he does not know the truth, he wishes to hold his tongue. Oedipus then accuses Creon of trying to overthrow him (since it was Creon who recommended Tiresias to come in the first place). Creon calmly retorts with the facts that for one, Oedipus is married to Creon’s own sister who he knows Oedipus loves very much, and so he would never do such a thing to harm Oedipus. Secondly, Creon states that he is far too noble of a person, and that Oedipus should reflect upon his nature and realize that Creon would never do such a thing ; Creon says that unlike other men, he likes to rule, but does not have a frantic yearning to be king. He is content with his standing now, in which he can rule in peace rather than with fear. Creon continues to say that he is satisfied with all the honor he receives now; people already respect his title, and so he feels that there is no need to betray and overthrow Oedipus to gain more. Oedipus is asked to go to the oracle at Pytho to verify if all Creon says is true. Certain that his word is true, Creon boldly states that if the oracle states that he is lying, Oedipus may take his life, but that Oedipus must do this to ensure that he will not lose an honest friend for nothing. At this time, the Chorus comes in, also persuading Oedipus to do trust what Creon says. However, Oedipus remains adamant and angry, declaring that Creon is plotting against him secretly and that he must quickly come up with a counterplot. Creon asks if Oedipus is going to banish him, and Oedipus replies that he is going to do more than that; he is going to kill Creon. In a last attempt, Creone tries to get Oedipus to understand that the king is only concocting fantasies, but Oedipus, in his blinding fury, merely replies that he is king, and that he must kill Creon.