Understanding Oedipus Rex.

Oedipus is first introduced as a savior. A priest, surrounded by a crowd of questioning children and peasants, has come to ask Oedipus what may be done to alleviate the terrible blights which afflict the city of Thebes. He comes to hear their story directly, instead of asking them to explain to a messenger: "I did not think it fit that I should hear/of this from messengers but came myself ... Indeed I'm willing to give all/that you may need; I would be very hard/should I not pity suppliants like these" (p.11, 6-13). This role is an extension of the heroic part that Oedipus plays in rescuin…