Give an example of dramatic irony from this section. Explain how it is an example of dramatic irony.

OEDIPUS

How dare you come here? How dare you show your face here at my house, you who would be my murderer, and steal my throne? Tell me, by the gods, did you think me a coward and an idiot? Was that why you conceived this plan? Did you think I wouldn’t find out or defend myself? You fool! You need money and friends to steal a throne: wealth and supporters give power.

CREON

Listen to what I have to say, and then judge me.

OEDIPUS

You are skilled in speech. But I’m not going to be a good listener to my enemy.

CREON

Please listen.

OEDIPUS

Just tell me you’re not a traitor.

CREON

No, I’m not. Don’t be stubborn, but be wise, and have an open mind. It’s not wise to think you can harm someone close to you and not be punished for it.

CREON

I agree. Tell me what did I do to harm you?

OEDIPUS

Didn’t you tell me to send for your prophet? Do you deny it?

CREON

No, and I still believe it was good advice.

OEDIPUS

How long has it been since Laius disappeared… was murdered.

CREON

It was a long time ago, and the years add up.

OEDIPUS

Was Tiresias a skilled prophet then?

CREON

Yes. He was wise and honored then as now.

OEDIPUS

Did he mention me then?

CREON

Not that I heard personally. Didn’t you try to find the killer?

CREON

Of course, but we could find nothing.

OEDIPUS

Why didn’t the wise seer help you?

CREON

I don’t know. If you know nothing, say nothing.

OEDIPUS

You do know something, and if you know what’s good for you, you’ll tell me.

CREON

What? I won’t hold anything back.

OEDIPUS

If he wasn’t plotting with you, he would never have called me the murderer of Laius.

CREON

If that is what he said. Now you must tell me as much as I’ve told you.

OEDIPUS

I’ll tell you all I can; but I’m not the murderer.

CREON

So. You’re married to my sister?

OEDIPUS

I don’t deny it.

CREON

You rule this land, and she has an equal share in it?

OEDIPUS

I give her whatever she wants.

CREON

Am I not your equal, the third in this triad?

OEDIPUS

Yes, and that is why I call you a traitor.

CREON

Listen to me, and think about it.

Why would anyone want to be king and live in constant fear, rather than have the same power and sleep peacefully?

I don’t want to be king, as long as I enjoy the same privileges. Any sensible man would agree with me.

I get all I want now and am free from fear, but if I were the ruler, I’d have to do a lot of things I would not want to do.

Why do you think I’d prefer to be king, when I have the same power and influence without any of the worries? I’m not stupid.

I only want things that can benefit me. Now everyone calls me their friend and greets me warmly. If they want anything, they take me aside because they know I can get it for them.

I’d never do what you accuse me of, nor would I be an ally of anyone who did.

Go to Delphi, and find out whether what I reported was true. If you discover I have plotted with the seer, don’t kill me by one vote, but two: yours and mine, but don’t accuse me without any proof.

It is as wrong to call a bad man good as to call a good man bad.

I think if you get rid of a good friend, you destroy your own life as well.

You will eventually learn: it is only time that reveals the just man, whereas the unjust one is discovered in a day.