The end of Oedipus was really difficult for me as a reader.
I think we all sympathize with Oedipus from the beginning... He is sentenced to death by his own parents according to a prophesy; it was by no fault of his own that he was abandoned and left to die. Then, despite the odds, he survives and even flourishes in another city, unaware of his true heritage and the fateful prediction of his life. In a moment of anger he murders a king, but who among us hasn't fallen prey to own own tempers before? Then he becomes a hero and a king, not because of physical strength, but because of superior intelligence. I certainly respected that. On the throne, Oedipus seems to rule with grace and strength, and the kingdom is at peace under his reign.
He really is a very likeable guy, and as the audience, we see he is almost completely powerless against his path, foretold even before his birth. Oedipus is a good king.
Then, when the truth comes out, everything immediately collapses. Oedipus is overwhelmed with grief and shame, and in the heat of his heartache, he blinds himself as not to see his mother and father in the afterlife.
This is where I struggle.
The sudden publicity of Oedipus' past doesn't invalidate his present character. He is still a noble king.
One who made a grave mistake? Sure. But again, what man doesn't commit devistating crimes as he journeys through life? This crime of Oedi's made me identify with the man even more... That despite his sin, if you will, he was able to do good.
Why, then, the need for blinding and endless suffering? His subjets are willing to pardon this fault and continue forward with Oedipus as king. They know him, they have seen his character and the leadership he brings to the country. They love Oedipus.
Yet Oedipus cannot dwell in this love, which freely offers redemption and forgiveness. Instead, he condemns himself to a life of isolation and pain, the punishment he feels is just for his actions. His resolve to suffer is so noble, and only further endears the king to the readers. But it doesn't have to be that way. The people love Oedipus, and want to be with him in his time of need. Why doesn't Oedipus stay there, it would be so simple.
I think Oedi feels the unbearable weight of his unworthiness. He is overcome with shame, and therefore doesn't deserve any comfort or love, any redemption. Is this human nature? Do we choose isolation because we want to feel the pain of our sins, the depth of our shortcomings?
Though this post in incredibly late, I'm thankful to now see a connection with Crime and Punishment that I might have missed earlier. In Crime and Punishment, suffering is key. The fact is that we all are criminals, the importance of life lies not in the crime itself, but in the punishment, which hopefully leads to redemption. Oedipus chooses a life of punishment, instead of the love offered too him by friends.
Maybe Oedipus' choice isn't so dismal. Maybe, he had a bigger goal than just the comfort of the moment. Maybe, Oedipus fought for greatness even when all hope seemed lost.
Long live Oedipus the King.
