Prompt: How does Oedipus see himself? How do others perceive it? Explain how the author uses this juxtaposition to communicate the theme? In "Oedipus the King", Sophocles uses a variety of themes, and one of them is Oedipus's own self-discovery. At the beginning of the play, Oedipus is considered the hero, the one who would save the city of Thebes from the plague. However, throughout the play, Oedipus and the citizens of Thebes discover his true identity and he is no longer seen as the hero. At the beginning of the play, Oedipus describes himself as a person who will do anything to help his people. (the inhabitants of Thebes). For example, at the beginning of the play, Oedipus says: “Here I am, myself, world-famous Oedipus... You can count on me; I am ready to do anything to help..."(6). The theme of the play is Oedipus' journey towards self-discovery, this quote connects to the theme of Oedipus, who describes himself as a great force, a hero for the city; and so far he seems to have done something to help the plague-ravaged city. However, throughout the play, the readers and Oedi...