The Core Blog

Oedipus has become so desperate to learn the truth and destroy his family that his behavior is sickening. He tortures and threatens to kill the old herdsman for trying to protect him from the truth.

As we saw in The Odyssey, it seems that the Greek authors try to make those who get punished less sympathetic. Remember Odysseus' gloating when he escaped the Cyclops? He was the hero, but he did deserve some punishment for that behavior.

I don't wish Oedipus' blinding and expulsion from society, but he does have a reprimand coming.