The post where I defend a murderous, incestuous man

“Alas, alas! It seems that I have just cast myself unknowing under terrible curses!” (Oedipus Rex, lines 772–73)

Oedipus is upset; understandably so. Our tragic hero has just discovered that he “unknowing[ly]” fulfilled a horrifying prophecy—that he would kill his father and sleep with his mother. Yikes.

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