What is the relationship between Oedipus Rex and the historical context in which it appeared?

Answer 1

Hello dear!
It is a whole science to understand and have some idea about the relation between the Greek Myths and the Theatrical Plays!
The Myth is the un-written history, while the Theatrical Play is to educate the audience.
Thus, the play writer gets data from the Myth and constructs the play so that the audience leaves the theater better than when entered!
SO in the case of Oedipus Rex!
Was there the Oedipus Rex exactly as described in the play?
We do not know!
And why to know?
We have the message of the writer:
Oedipus means with swollen legs, let us think, ...maybe the one who was too earthy! Then, he solved the mystery question. He became the king (Rex). He got wise enough to be the first, but when he wanted to improve further, he took his eyes off! Was he crazy? Well, is we accept it as real: yes, he was crazy! But the myth wants us to understand that up to some level, our senses drag us to the Truth. After some level, the senses are dragging us from the Truth. Thus, Oedipus Rex, to achieve highest levels had to overshoot senses and reach other levels - beyond matter and senses!