How does the interaction with the Messenger reveal a key character trait of Oedipus?

OEDIPUS

That would all be fine, if my mother weren’t living. But, even though what you said is correct, as long as she lives, I’ll be afraid.

MESSENGER

You must be relieved at least to hear your father died a natural death.

OEDIPUS

Yes. But I’m afraid while she is still alive.

MESSENGER

Of whom are you afraid?

OEDIPUS

Merope, old man, who lived with Polybus.

MESSENGER

Why are you afraid of her?

OEDIPUS

There was a terrible prophecy.

MESSENGER

Can you tell me, or is that forbidden?

OEDIPUS

No. Apollo said that I would have intercourse with my mother and shed my father’s blood with my own hands.

That is why I lived far away from Corinth. Things worked out well for me, but it is sweetest of all to look into the eyes of our parents.

MESSENGER

Was that the fear that drove you out of our city?

OEDIPUS

Yes, so that I wouldn’t be my father’s murderer.

MESSENGER

Since I have come as a friend, why don’t I set your mind free?

OEDIPUS

If you can do that, I’ll reward you well.

MESSENGER

Yes. I came here with that hope, and that when you came back home, you would reward me for my services.

OEDIPUS

I’ll never return to my parents.

MESSENGER

It is clear you don’t know what you’re doing.

OEDIPUS

What do you mean? For God’s sake, tell me!

MESSENGER

It’s on their account you don’t go home?

OEDIPUS

Yes. I’m afraid that the oracle will come true.

MESSENGER

So you are avoiding crimes against your parents.

OEDIPUS

Yes. That’s what frightens me.

MESSENGER

You have nothing to fear.

OEDIPUS

How can that be if they are my parents?

MESSENGER

Polybus was not related to you.

OEDIPUS

What are you saying? Isn’t Polybus my father?

MESSENGER

No more than I am, and equally so.

OEDIPUS

How can my father be equal to someone who is of no relation to me?

MESSENGER

Neither he nor I was your father.

OEDIPUS

Then why did he call me his son?

MESSENGER

I gave you to him as a gift from my hands.

OEDIPUS

How could he love, as much as he did, a baby he received from another’s hands?

MESSENGER

He had no children of his own.

OEDIPUS

Did you buy me or find me, before giving me to him?

MESSENGER

I found you in the wooded valley of Cithaeron.

OEDIPUS

What were you doing there?

MESSENGER

I was a shepherd, in charge of flocks grazing there.

OEDIPUS

A wandering shepherd, serving someone?

MESSENGER

Yes, and the person who saved you at a critical time.

OEDIPUS

Why critical?

MESSENGER

Your ankles carry the telltale scars.

OEDIPUS

Oh, why do you speak of that old pain?

MESSENGER

I released your ankles which were pierced and tied together.

OEDIPUS

A terrible shame from infancy.

MESSENGER

That’s how you got your name, Oedipus, which means “swollen foot”.

OEDIPUS

Did my mother or father give me that name? Tell me.

MESSENGER

I don’t know. The man who gave you to me knows better.

OEDIPUS

Then you didn’t find me,

but received me from some other shepherd?

MESSENGER

Yes. Another shepherd gave you to me.

OEDIPUS

Who was he? But you said you found me.

Can you tell me the truth now?

MESSENGER

Someone said he was Laius’ man.

OEDIPUS

Laius, who used to rule here?

MESSENGER

Yes. That man was the king’s shepherd.

OEDIPUS

Is he alive, so that I can see him?

MESSENGER

Your people here would know that best.

OEDIPUS

Does anyone of you know this shepherd of whom he speaks?

Have you seen him here, or in the fields?

Tell me, it’s time everything is revealed.