Based on the tragedies
Oedipus the King, Oedipus at Colonus, and Antigone by Sophocles
The Seven Against Thebes by Aeschylus
and The Phoenician Maidens by Euripides
This screenplay has been published in the book 4 SCREENPLAYS. For ordering information, please click here.
INTERIOR CORINTHIAN PALACE - DAY
POLYBUS and MEROPE are sitting on their thrones. Oedipus comes hobbling in on his damaged feet to which he has become accustomed. He approaches Polybus and Merope.
OEDIPUS
Mother, father, I must talk with you.
My friends are saying that
I don't look like either one of you,
and they have implied I may not be your son.
Polybus and Merope look at each other knowingly.
POLYBUS
Have you been fighting again?
When will you learn to control your anger?
OEDIPUS
What else could I do when they lie?
MEROPE
Of course you are our child, dear Oedipus.
Can you remember any other home or parents?
OEDIPUS
No, none at all. But what is to come of me?
POLYBUS
You are my heir, my son.
You will rule when I have died.
OEDIPUS
But that is not likely to happen for a long time.
Didn't you tell me once
that one can consult the oracle of Apollo
to find the answer to difficult questions?
POLYBUS
Yes, the temple at Delphi is not far from here.
INT. DELPHIC TEMPLE - DAY
Oedipus is consulting with a PRIESTESS.
PRIESTESS
The gods are offended by your presence here.
You should not be alive at all,
for your fate is horrible and shameful.
OEDIPUS
Me? What have I done?
PRIESTESS
You may not have done anything bad yet,
but the signs show you will slay your father
and mate with your own mother.
OEDIPUS
How awful! I could never do that.
I will never see my parents again.
I will stay away from Corinth from now on.
PRIESTESS
Depart as quickly as you can!
Or you will pollute this temple.
Oedipus goes out.
EXTERIOR ROADS EXTENDING IN THREE DIRECTIONS - DAY
Oedipus carrying a spear is walking toward Thebes where the three roads meet when a chariot with LAIUS and his charioteer POLYPHONTES arrive on the road from Thebes. A HERALD jogs in front of the chariot and a SERVANT jogs behind it.
OEDIPUS
Greetings.
POLYPHONTES
Is that the road to Delphi?
OEDIPUS
Yes, it is. I've just come from there.
LAIUS
Out of the way, young man!
Make way for your betters.
OEDIPUS
That would be only the gods or my father,
and since you are neither---
LAIUS
You dare defy us?
Get out of our way.
Polyphontes whips the horses, and the wheel of the chariot runs over one of Oedipus's deformed feet, while Laius lashes Oedipus on the head.
OEDIPUS
By the gods, I'll get you for that.
Oedipus hurls his spear and kills Polyphontes. He then mounts the chariot and wrestles with Laius overcoming the older man. Oedipus pushes Laius off the chariot, but he is entangled in the reins. In anger Oedipus whips the horses, and they take off trampling over the herald and dragging Laius to his death. The servant behind runs away back toward Thebes. When Oedipus realizes that two more men are dead, he gains control of the horses and goes after the other servant on the road; but the servant looks back and then runs off the road into the woods. Oedipus stops the chariot, thinks for a moment, and then drives back to where the three dead men lay. He gets off the chariot and overturns it near the bodies. Then Oedipus takes up his spear and begins to hobble down the road toward Thebes.
INT. PALACE AT THEBES - DAY
JOCASTA sits on the secondary throne and two servant GUARDS are by the door as CREON comes in.
JOCASTA
My dear brother Creon,
any reports about the death of King Laius?
CREON
They say a servant escaped
and will be returning here soon.
But now my son Haemon has been beaten bloody
by that Egyptian sphinx with the riddle.
What are we going to do
about that Egyptian tribute collector?
JOCASTA
Yes, it is oppressive to have
a foreign country sucking our blood
pretending they are civilizing us.
Their kings marry their sisters
thinking they're keeping their family lines pure.
CREON
And sometimes even their mothers too.
JOCASTA
It's awful. We could never do that.
I know that kings are often killed.
CREON
Isn't there a prophecy that
Laius will be killed by his son?
JOCASTA
Yes, but we made sure that could not happen.
We have no sons or daughters.
What do we do now without Laius?
CREON
You can rule as queen.
JOCASTA
I will, if you will assist me.
CREON
Of course. I will do all I can.
We must do something about that sphinx.
JOCASTA
Announce that whoever rids us of that pest
might win this throne here and my hand
now that we know Laius no longer lives.
Creon nods and goes out.
EXT. MAIN GATE OF THEBES - DAY
Oedipus is stopped by an EGYPTIAN OFFICIAL.
EGYPTIAN OFFICIAL
Halt, young man! What gift do you offer?
OEDIPUS
Must I bring an Egyptian a gift
to enter a Greek city?
EGYPTIAN OFFICIAL
Yes, unless you want to try
to answer the riddle of the Sphinx.
OEDIPUS
I have no gift to offer.
What is the riddle?
EGYPTIAN OFFICIAL
What creature has one voice but walks
on four legs, two legs and three legs?
OEDIPUS
And walks on most when weakest?
EGYPTIAN OFFICIAL
Yes.
OEDIPUS
I crawled on four legs when a baby.
Now I walk on two legs,
and when I'm old I'll use a staff.
I am that creature.
EGYPTIAN OFFICIAL
You are a wise man.
What is your name?
OEDIPUS
They call me Oedipus,
because my feet are damaged.
EGYPTIAN OFFICIAL
You may pass without a gift
for knowing the riddle.
Oedipus walks into Thebes and seeing a small crowd gathered being addressed by HAEMON he approaches to listen.
HAEMON
And so the queen has proclaimed
that whoever can liberate us
from this Egyptian domination may rule with her.
FIRST THEBAN CITIZEN
But we must solve the riddle.
You and many others have been beaten
for not knowing the answer to it.
OEDIPUS
I solved the riddle.
HAEMON
What did you say?
OEDIPUS
I answered the riddle just now.
The answer is a man, or a woman.
Why do you allow these Egyptians
to take your goods?
HAEMON
We trade with them,
and their great king has demanded tribute
to pay for his large armies.
OEDIPUS
I see no large army here.
HAEMON
Most of them have left now.
OEDIPUS
Then why do you submit to them?
Why don't we tell them to go home?
HAEMON
You have a good point.
SECOND THEBAN CITIZEN
Yes, let's throw the foreigners out.
Will you lead us, young man?
Oedipus walks back to the gate followed by the crowd.
OEDIPUS
We've decided that it's time for you to leave.
EGYPTIAN OFFICIAL
I think you are right.
The Egyptian official walks out the gate. The crowd throngs around Oedipus congratulating and cheering him.
HAEMON
Young man, who are you?
OEDIPUS
My name is Oedipus.
INT. PALACE AT THEBES - DAY
Creon is conferring with Jocasta again.
CREON
And then they went from gate to gate
and expelled every one of the Egyptian officials.
JOCASTA
Remarkable. Who is this young man?
CREON
He calls himself Oedipus,
and he is a prince from Corinth.
Here he comes with Haemon now.
Haemon and Oedipus come in.
JOCASTA
Welcome Corinthian stranger,
and thank you for your leadership,
your wisdom and your courage.
Do you plan to stay in Thebes long?
When do you plan to return to Corinth?
OEDIPUS
I must not go back to Corinth at all.
JOCASTA
Why? Did you commit some crime there?
OEDIPUS
No, but I fear a prophecy.
JOCASTA
I know that prophecies can be fearsome things.
Won't you please stay with us here in Thebes?
OEDIPUS
Thank you. I think I will.
JOCASTA
Please dine with us and be our guest.
DISSOLVE TO:
INT. PALACE AT THEBES - DAY
Jocasta on the same secondary throne is interviewing the servant who escaped when Laius was killed.
SERVANT
We came to a place where three roads meet.
JOCASTA
What happened there?
Oedipus comes in.
OEDIPUS
Excuse me. May I listen?
JOCASTA
Certainly, dear Oedipus.
I'm questioning this man about the death of Laius.
Apparently he was killed on the road to Delphi.
Please sit there on the throne.
I know how your feet can hurt you.
Oedipus sits on the king's throne, as Jocasta turns back to the servant. The servant looks at Oedipus in fear, but Oedipus does not recognize the servant.
JOCASTA
Who committed this terrible murder?
SERVANT
They were robbers - several of them.
JOCASTA
You were lucky to escape.
Your service to this house will be rewarded.
You shall have a better position.
SERVANT
No, please, I would rather work in the fields.
Let me return to being a shepherd in the hills?
JOCASTA
If that is what you want, certainly.
SERVANT
Yes, thank you.
The servant goes out quickly. Jocasta gets up and goes over to Oedipus, sitting next to him on the large throne and putting her arm around him.
JOCASTA
My dear Oedipus, you know
I've grown fond of you already.
Now that we know for sure that Laius is dead,
will you marry me and rule here as king?
I know I am older than you are,
but won't you please consider it
for the good of all Thebes?
OEDIPUS
This seems to be my destiny.
An exile I have fallen into a kingdom.
I would be a fool not to accept your offer.
Jocasta kisses Oedipus while embracing him.
INT. PALACE BEDCHAMBER - NIGHT
Jocasta and Oedipus are in bed together.
JOCASTA
You see, Laius was so afraid of the prophecy
that he would not have relations with me.
Now at last I can have children
who will be able to rule after you.
OEDIPUS
And I can be safe here
far from my parents in Corinth.
EXT. MAIN GATE AT THEBES - DAY
Super: TEN YEARS LATER
Creon approaches the gate which is now attended by a THEBAN GUARD.
THEBAN GUARD
Welcome, noble Creon.
CREON
Thank you. How is the plague here?
THEBAN GUARD
There is no relief; many die every day.
CREON
Are you warning strangers who come to visit?
THEBAN GUARD
Oh yes, no one comes through the gates
without knowing of the danger.
Did the Delphic oracle offer any hope?
CREON
Yes, I've learned the cause of the pollution.
I must speak to King Oedipus.
THEBAN GUARD
He saved us from the Egyptian tribute.
May he save us from the plague as well.
INT. THEBAN PALACE - DAY
Oedipus and Jocasta sit on their thrones.
OEDIPUS
Let us hope that the message your brother brings
will help us to end this terrible pestilence.
JOCASTA
I'm sure it will, dear Oedipus.
Thebes has prospered since you came here,
and we've been blessed with four healthy children.
Creon comes in with some THEBAN ELDERS who sit on benches.
OEDIPUS
Welcome, noble Creon and gentlemen.
What message do you bring from the god?
CREON
Good news. If all goes well now,
our troubles may be over.
OEDIPUS
What did the oracle say?
I waver between hope and fear.
CREON
Will you hear the report
before these elders of our city?
OEDIPUS
Yes, speak before all,
for it is for them more than for me.
They may sit on the benches and listen.
The elders sit down.
CREON
These are the words of Apollo:
Pollution caused by a hidden sore
is festering in our city.
We must stop it before it's too late.
OEDIPUS
Pollution? What must we do?
CREON
Murder is the cause of this despair.
We must banish the murderer,
or he must pay with his blood.
OEDIPUS
Murder? Of whom? Did the god say?
CREON
Before you came to rule here,
we had a king named Laius.
OEDIPUS
I know, but I never saw him.
CREON
He was murdered.
The god's command is clear:
we must find the assassin and punish him.
OEDIPUS
But it's been years since then.
How can he be found now?
CREON
He still lives among us.
If we search, we will find him.
OEDIPUS
Where was Laius killed?
CREON
The last we knew he was on his way to Delphi.
OEDIPUS
Did anyone report what happened?
Was there a witness?
CREON
All were killed except one servant who ran away.
OEDIPUS
What did he say?
CREON
He said robbers murdered them.
JOCASTA
That's right; I remember that.
OEDIPUS
Robbers? But why would they murder?
Were they paid assassins?
CREON
We considered that,
but we had trouble then
with the riddle of the Egyptian sphinx
and we had no king to lead us.
OEDIPUS
I intend to get to the truth of this.
Apollo has shown us what we must do.
I thank you for this report,
and together we shall pursue the murderers.
Not just for Laius' but for my own sake,
because such assassins might attack me too.
Summon the witness and investigate the crime.
I will leave nothing untried.
Go make this public proclamation:
If anyone knows who murdered Laius,
let him tell us now.
If he fears for his life,
a confession will bring only banishment.
Let no one protect the assassin with silence.
Any helpful information will be rewarded.
No one may speak to this assassin
or welcome him into their home in Thebes.
We must drive him out
in obedience to the will of Apollo.
For this vicious act I call down curses
on the assassins and everlasting shame.
No one, not even myself, is to be exempt.
I will avenge Laius as I would my own father.
I will leave nothing untried in this investigation.
On those who disobey I call down this curse:
may God make their harvests and women barren;
may they be haunted and know no peace.
As for this city, I pray for justice always.
CREON
I have taken an oath also,
and I swear I did not kill the king.
Apollo knows the murderer.
OEDIPUS
Yes, but who can make a god speak?
CREON
There is a possibility.
OEDIPUS
Tell me, please, anything.
CREON
There is a seer who could help us search.
His name is Teiresias.
OEDIPUS
Yes, by all means, send for him
and search for that servant too.
CREON
I'll do it right away.
Creon goes out.
DISSOLVE TO:
The blind TEIRESIAS is led in by a BOY.
OEDIPUS
Teiresias, we turn to you as our only hope,
you who can know the secrets of all things.
Apollo has told us we must find Laius' murderers.
Please help us to end this deadly pollution.
TEIRESIAS
How terrible wisdom is
when it does not benefit the wise!
I forgot. I should not have come.
OEDIPUS
Why? What's wrong?
TEIRESIAS
Let me leave;
it will be better for you and for me.
OEDIPUS
How can you refuse to serve your city?
Don't you care about the laws of Thebes?
TEIRESIAS
Yes, but your words are out of tune,
and I fear mine would be too.
OEDIPUS
We are pleading with you:
tell us what you know.
TEIRESIAS
You are blind.
I will not reveal my secrets nor yours.
OEDIPUS
What?!
You know something and yet refuse to speak.
Would you betray us and watch our citizens die?
TEIRESIAS
I will not bring this pain on you or me.
Stop asking me; I will say nothing.
OEDIPUS
You won't tell us?!
You could make the stones angry.
Not tell us! What will it take?
TEIRESIAS
Know yourself, Oedipus.
You blame me, but it is you.
OEDIPUS
Who would not be angry
when you refuse our city?
TEIRESIAS
It doesn't matter what I say.
The future is already set.
OEDIPUS
Then why not say what it is?
TEIRESIAS
Rage on, if you want.
I'll say no more.
OEDIPUS
I am angry, and I'll tell you what I think.
You must have plotted the crime,
and if you weren't blind,
might have done it yourself.
TEIRESIAS
Oh yeah? Then follow your decree
and speak to no one in this city,
for you are the polluter of this land.
OEDIPUS
Traitor!
Do you think you can get away with that?
TEIRESIAS
The truth protects me.
OEDIPUS
Who taught you this?
This is no prophecy.
TEIRESIAS
You have forced me to say it.
OEDIPUS
Tell me again; I want to understand.
TEIRESIAS
Do you? Why do you provoke me?
OEDIPUS
I did not grasp it.
Please say it again.
TEIRESIAS
I say that you, Oedipus the tyrant,
are the murderer you seek.
OEDIPUS
Twice said; you will regret it.
TEIRESIAS
Shall I say more to tempt your anger?
OEDIPUS
Whatever you want; it won't matter.
TEIRESIAS
I say that you are living in shame
with the woman you love
and don't see your own calamity.
OEDIPUS
Do you think you can talk like this forever?
TEIRESIAS
Yes, if the truth has power.
OEDIPUS
It does, but not for you
who are blind and deaf and cracked.
TEIRESIAS
You are wretched to slander me,
when you are about to suffer.
OEDIPUS
You live in endless night,
but you cannot hurt me
and those who live in daylight.
TEIRESIAS
It's not for me to bring you down,
but it's up to Apollo.
OEDIPUS
Was this your idea or Creon's?
TEIRESIAS
No, it's not Creon.
You are doing it to yourself.
OEDIPUS
Creon must be secretly attacking me through you.
Why didn't you solve the riddle of the sphinx?
I came and threw the Egyptians out.
Now you conspire to stand by Creon's throne.
You'll regret it.
If you weren't old,
I'd make you suffer right now.
JOCASTA
You are both speaking in anger.
We don't need anger now
but must follow the god's commands.
TEIRESIAS
Though you are king,
I have the right to speak too.
I am not your slave nor is Creon my boss.
I serve only Apollo
and since you mock my blindness
I tell you this:
You have eyes but do not see your sins.
Do you know who your parents are?
You offend the living and the dead.
A deadly footed double scourge
from both father and mother
will drive you from this land.
Darkness will cover your eyes that now see.
When you discover the meaning of your marriage
that you thought was a haven,
more sorrow awaits you than you can know -
a strange equality between you and your children.
Blame Creon and what I say,
but no misery will be as bad as yours.
OEDIPUS
How much of this can I take?
Leave this house now.
TEIRESIAS
I only came here, because you sent for me.
OEDIPUS
I wouldn't have sent for you,
if I'd known what madness I'd hear.
TEIRESIAS
To you I'm mad, but not to your parents.
OEDIPUS
Wait. Who are my parents?
TEIRESIAS
Today will reveal your birth and destroy you.
OEDIPUS
Why do you speak in riddles?
TEIRESIAS
But aren't you skilled in solving riddles?
OEDIPUS
You mock the skill that made me great.
TEIRESIAS
A great misfortune that will destroy you.
OEDIPUS
I don't care, if it saved the city.
TEIRESIAS
I'll go. Come, boy; take me home.
OEDIPUS
Yes, take him away
so that he may not trouble me anymore.
TEIRESIAS
I'll go after speaking unafraid of you,
for you cannot hurt me.
I tell you the man you seek
and have sentenced to banishment or death
for murdering King Laius
is here living among you as an alien,
but soon it will be known
that he is a native Theban,
and he'll find no joy in that discovery.
His eyes which see now will be blind;
rich now soon he'll be a beggar.
Now he holds a scepter but soon a cane
as he gropes in a foreign land,
both brother and father of his own children,
both son and husband of his consort,
both heir and defiler of his father's bed
whose blood he shed.
Think about this,
and if you find my words are wrong,
then say I am no prophet.
The boy leads Teiresias out.
DISSOLVE TO:
Creon comes in rather upset. The throne seats are empty.
CREON
Citizens, I have come because I heard
the accusation Oedipus made against me.
I will not put up with that.
Doesn't he realize what that slander means?
It would mean I'm a traitor to you, my friends.
THEBAN ELDER
He spoke in anger without thinking.
CREON
But did he say the prophet lied on my advice?
THEBAN ELDER
He said it, but I don't know why.
CREON
Was he in his right mind?
THEBAN ELDER
I don't know. Here he comes now.
Oedipus comes in from the inner chambers and sits on the throne.
OEDIPUS
Why have you come, Creon?
How dare you show your face here!
What drove you to try to steal my throne?
Did you think you could get away with it?
Don't you know you need friends
or money behind you to win a crown?
CREON
Listen to me and the truth
before you pass your judgment.
OEDIPUS
Oh, you can speak,
but I've learned you're my enemy.
CREON
Will you listen to me?
OEDIPUS
Just say you're not a traitor.
CREON
If you value obstinacy without wisdom,
you're a fool.
OEDIPUS
And you're a fool if you believe
a criminal will not be punished
because he is related to me.
CREON
That is just, but what have I done?
OEDIPUS
Didn't you tell me to send for that prophet?
CREON
I did and would again.
OEDIPUS
How long since Laius ...
CREON
What? I don't follow.
OEDIPUS
... was murdered?
CREON
A long time, maybe ten years.
OEDIPUS
Was your Teiresias a prophet then?
CREON
He was, and respected then too.
OEDIPUS
Did he mention me then?
CREON
No, not that I heard.
OEDIPUS
Didn't you investigate the murder?
CREON
We did, but found nothing.
OEDIPUS
Why didn't the prophet speak then?
CREON
I don't know;
and when I don't know, I don't speak.
OEDIPUS
But you must know this:
CREON
What?
OEDIPUS
If he had not acted under your instructions,
he never would have accused me of killing Laius.
CREON
You know if he said that.
Now I want to question you,
as you have been questioning me.
OEDIPUS
Ask what you want.
I am not the murderer.
CREON
Then tell me: did you marry my sister?
OEDIPUS
Of course I did.
CREON
And do you rule equally with her?
OEDIPUS
She gets whatever she wants from me.
CREON
Am I not third and equal too?
OEDIPUS
Yes, which is what makes you a traitor.
CREON
Not so; look at it reasonably as I have.
Would anyone prefer to rule in fear
when one could have the royal rights
along with untroubled peace?
I don't want to be king but like being royal.
Any wise man would feel the same.
I share the king's prerogatives;
yet you alone must face the dangers.
If I were king,
I would have many unpleasant tasks.
I am not so deluded
as to want more honors than benefit me.
Everyone greets me
and people come to me to gain your favor.
Why should I trade this for a throne?
I'm no traitor nor would I aid treason.
If you want proof, go to Delphi
and ask if I've conspired with the prophet.
Take my life if I have;
but don't condemn me without proof.
You are wrong to judge the innocent guilty.
To throw away a true friend
is like throwing away your life.
You'll know this is true in time.
Time is the test of the honest,
but one day is enough to know a rascal.
THEBAN ELDER
He is right, king.
Respect his words and don't be too hasty.
OEDIPUS
A secret plot can move fast
and must be met with a quick response.
I cannot wait until it is accomplished.
CREON
What will you do? Banish me?
OEDIPUS
No, I'd rather kill you.
CREON
Then you don't believe me?
OEDIPUS
No, you have not persuaded me.
CREON
I think you've gone mad.
OEDIPUS
Not from how I see it.
CREON
You should see my view as well.
OEDIPUS
No, you're a traitor.
CREON
But what if you're wrong?
OEDIPUS
Yet I must rule.
CREON
Not if you rule badly.
OEDIPUS
Thebes! Listen to him.
CREON
This is my city too.
THEBAN ELDER
Stop this. Here comes Jocasta.
Maybe she can end this quarrel.
Jocasta comes out of the inner chambers and sits on her throne.
JOCASTA
Why do you act like fools
and quarrel without reason?
Aren't you ashamed to add to the troubles
of the city that is sick and dying?
Go home, Creon, and leave us alone.
Forget these petty grievances.
CREON
Sister, Oedipus, your husband, has threatened me
with either banishment or death.
OEDIPUS
Yes, for I discovered him
plotting against my person.
CREON
May the gods torment me forever
if any of that is true!
JOCASTA
For God's sake, believe him, Oedipus.
Spare him because of his oath
and for me and those here.
THEBAN ELDER
Listen to her, king; we beg you.
OEDIPUS
Do you know what you're asking?
THEBAN ELDER
Yes.
OEDIPUS
Then tell me.
THEBAN ELDER
It's wrong to punish a friend
who has invoked a curse upon himself.
It's wrong to dishonor him without proof.
OEDIPUS
Then you must realize when you ask this,
you're asking for my banishment or death.
THEBAN ELDER
By the sun god, no!
May I die without blessing
if I had any such thought!
My heart is torn by the sickness in the city;
that would add to our troubles.
OEDIPUS
Then let him go,
even if I must die or be banished.
Your words, not his, have moved me.
But wherever Creon is, I shall hate him.
CREON
You are cruel in yielding
when your temper is dangerous.
Nature's like yours deserve what they suffer.
OEDIPUS
Just go and leave me alone.
CREON
I go, misjudged by you;
but these men have seen my innocence.
Creon goes out.
THEBAN ELDER
Why don't you take him inside, queen?
JOCASTA
I will, when I've learned the truth.
THEBAN ELDER
Blind suspicion consumed the king,
and Creon's anger flared from unjust accusations.
JOCASTA
Both were wrong?
THEBAN ELDER
Yes.
JOCASTA
What happened?
THEBAN ELDER
Don't ask; our city has enough troubles.
Let it rest.
OEDIPUS
Do you see what you've done
with your efforts to soften my anger?
THEBAN ELDER
King, I'll say it again.
I'd be a mad fool to turn from you
who saved our city from so many troubles,
set us on a good course,
and may prove a good guide for us now.
JOCASTA
Please tell me, dear king,
what roused your anger so much?
OEDIPUS
I will,
because you mean more to me than anyone.
It was Creon and his plots against my throne.
JOCASTA
Go on, if you can tell me clearly.
OEDIPUS
He says I'm guilty of murdering Laius.
JOCASTA
By his own knowledge or by information?
OEDIPUS
He does not use his own mouth,
but sent the false prophet to speak for him.
JOCASTA
Then don't worry about it.
I can prove no mortal can foresee the future.
An oracle once came to Laius,
not from Apollo but a priestess,
predicting that he would die
by the hand of his child and mine.
Yet it was reported he was killed by robbers
at a place where three roads meet.
As for the child, when he was three days old,
Laius pierced his ankles and handed him
to someone to throw on a deserted mountain.
So Apollo's oracle was not fulfilled;
the child did not kill his father,
and the fears of Laius proved false,
as he did not die by his son's hands.
So clearly the prophecy was wrong.
Pay no attention to them,
for God will reveal what is needed.
OEDIPUS
Jocasta, my soul is troubled by your words.
Suddenly my thoughts are wandering disturbed.
JOCASTA
What's bothering you?
OEDIPUS
Your statement that Laius was killed
at a place where three roads meet.
JOCASTA
Yes, that was the account then and still is now.
OEDIPUS
Where is this place of the murder?
JOCASTA
In the land of Phocis
the road diverges to Delphi and Daulia.
OEDIPUS
How long ago was this?
JOCASTA
We heard it just before you came here.
OEDIPUS
Oh Zeus, what have you contrived to do to me?
JOCASTA
Why Oedipus, what is troubling you?
OEDIPUS
Don't ask. Tell me about Laius.
What did he look like? How old was he?
JOCASTA
He was tall with gray hair,
and his body was much like yours.
OEDIPUS
O God, did I curse myself in my ignorance?
JOCASTA
You frighten me, king. What is it?
OEDIPUS
I'm afraid the prophet saw;
but you can show me more
by telling me one more thing.
JOCASTA
I'm afraid, but I'll tell you what I know.
OEDIPUS
Who traveled with the king?
Was he alone or with an escort?
JOCASTA
There were four in all
including Laius on the chariot.
OEDIPUS
Oh, it's clear. Jocasta, who told you this?
JOCASTA
A servant, the only one who came home alive.
OEDIPUS
Is he here now?
JOCASTA
No. When he came home and saw you on the throne,
he begged me to send him to the fields as a shepherd.
So I sent him away.
He was a good servant; if he wanted it,
I would have given him a better position.
OEDIPUS
Could he be brought here right away?
JOCASTA
Certainly, but what do you want with him?
OEDIPUS
Dear Jocasta, I'm afraid I've said too much,
and now I have to see this shepherd.
JOCASTA
Then he'll come.
But I have a right to know
the cause of your distress.
OEDIPUS
Yes, I will tell you.
You know about my parents in Corinth
and the doubts I had about them.
So I consulted the Delphic oracle
and decided not to return to Corinth
because of the horrible prophecy told me.
As I traveled I came to the place
you say the king was murdered.
It's true I was where the three roads meet.
A herald led a chariot
with a man like the one you described.
The driver ordered me out of the road;
but I refused to move, and he ran over my foot.
In anger I threw my spear at him.
The old man reached for the lash
and whipped me on the head;
but he paid for it.
As we struggled he fell from the chariot,
and I killed him as he lay helpless on his back.
I killed them all except one who escaped.
If that man was Laius,
who could be more miserable than I?
I am the one who is to be shunned.
I am the one whom I have cursed.
I have entered the bed of the one I killed.
Am I not evil and unclean?
I am to be banished
even though I already was banished
or else I would marry my mother
and kill my father Polybus who raised me.
What cruel power sent this torture?
O gods, may I never see that day!
I will die before I will see that calamity.
THEBAN ELDER
We're afraid too, but you must hope
until you hear the story from the witness.
OEDIPUS
Yes, my only hope is to wait for the shepherd.
JOCASTA
Why? What do you want with him?
OEDIPUS
I'll tell you.
If his story agrees with yours,
then I am cleared.
JOCASTA
What did you notice in what I said?
OEDIPUS
You mentioned he said robbers killed the king.
If he still says robbers, then I'm not guilty.
But if he speaks of a man traveling alone,
then no doubt the guilt is mine.
JOCASTA
You can be sure this is what he said.
The whole city heard it, not just me.
Even if he changes his story,
he can't prove Laius' death was as prophesied,
for Apollo said he would die by my child's hand,
and that poor child is dead.
So as for prophecy, pay no attention.
OEDIPUS
Right, but still send someone for the shepherd.
JOCASTA
I will do immediately what you ask.
But now let us go in.
DISSOLVE TO:
A MESSENGER comes in.
MESSENGER
Strangers, is this the house of Oedipus?
THEBAN ELDER
This is his house; he's inside.
But here comes the queen, his wife,
and the mother of his children.
Jocasta comes back in from the inner chambers followed by a MAIDSERVANT.
MESSENGER
Blessings on the house of Oedipus,
his children and his wife.
JOCASTA
Blessings on you too.
Why have you come? What is it?
MESSENGER
Good news, lady,
for your house and your husband.
JOCASTA
What news? From where?
MESSENGER
I come from Corinth.
My news is joyful but sad too.
JOCASTA
What has this double power?
MESSENGER
The people will make him king of the isthmus area.
JOCASTA
Is Polybus no longer in power in Corinth?
MESSENGER
No, for death has taken him away.
JOCASTA
Is that so? Is Polybus dead?
MESSENGER
If it's not true, may I die.
Jocasta speaks to the maidservant.
JOCASTA
Go quickly tell your master.
O oracles, where are your prophecies now?
The man from whom Oedipus fled
lest he be his murderer
now has died and not by Oedipus.
Oedipus comes in from the inner chambers.
OEDIPUS
Dear Jocasta, why have you sent for me?
JOCASTA
Listen to this man and judge for yourself
the value of those holy prophecies.
OEDIPUS
Who is he? What news does he bring to me?
JOCASTA
He's from Corinth
and tells us your father Polybus is dead.
OEDIPUS
What? Tell me yourself.
MESSENGER
If you want to know this first,
I'll tell you clearly: Polybus is dead.
OEDIPUS
How? By treason or sickness?
MESSENGER
It takes little to bring the aged to their rest.
OEDIPUS
Then it was sickness.
The poor old man.
MESSENGER
Sickness, yes, and many years.
OEDIPUS
Oh Jocasta! Why should we look at oracles?
They prophesied I'd kill my father;
but he's dead and in his grave
while I stand here
never having touched a weapon against him
unless he died of longing for his son
and that makes me his murderer.
Where are those oracles now?
They are as dead as Polybus himself.
JOCASTA
That's what I've been telling you.
OEDIPUS
You have, but I was misled by my fear.
JOCASTA
So don't worry about those any more.
OEDIPUS
But still I must fear my mother's bed.
JOCASTA
Why should mortals fear when chance rules all?
How can we know the future?
It's better to live now while you can.
Don't fear union with your mother.
In dreams men may enter their mothers' beds
and lie with them possessing them;
but the one who sees this is nothing
can live without fear.
OEDIPUS
You would be right, Jocasta,
if my mother were dead;
but she is alive and no matter what you say,
I have reason to fear.
JOCASTA
Yet there is comfort in your father's death.
OEDIPUS
Yes, some comfort,
but I still fear her who lives.
MESSENGER
Who is the woman you fear?
OEDIPUS
Queen Merope, old man, the wife of Polybus.
MESSENGER
Why do you fear her?
OEDIPUS
Because of a dreadful oracle from the gods.
MESSENGER
Are you allowed to tell me what it is?
OEDIPUS
Yes. Loxian Apollo said I would marry my mother
and murder my father with my own hands.
That's why I left Corinth long ago, happily,
though it's sweet to see the face of parents.
MESSENGER
Is this the fear that drove you out of Corinth?
OEDIPUS
Yes, I did not want to kill my father.
MESSENGER
But I can free you from this fear,
since I have come to you in goodwill.
OEDIPUS
You will have my gratitude if you do.
MESSENGER
This is why I came - to earn your thanks
when I have brought you safely home.
OEDIPUS
No, I will never go near my parents.
MESSENGER
Son, it's clear you don't realize what you're doing.
OEDIPUS
What do you mean, old man?
For God's sake, tell me.
MESSENGER
If it's for these reasons you fear going home.
OEDIPUS
I'm afraid that Phoebus may prove himself true.
MESSENGER
Do you fear the stain of guilt through your parents?
OEDIPUS
Yes, old man, that is my constant fear.
MESSENGER
Then you should realize
that your fears are groundless.
OEDIPUS
How can that be if I am their son?
MESSENGER
Because Polybus was no relation to you in blood.
OEDIPUS
What, was Polybus not my father?
MESSENGER
No more than I am.
OEDIPUS
How can that be?
Then why did he call me his son?
MESSENGER
You were a gift to him from me.
OEDIPUS
A gift? From you? He loved me like a son.
MESSENGER
Yes, because he had been childless.
OEDIPUS
When you gave me to him,
was I a child you had bought or found?
MESSENGER
I found you on the hills of Cithaeron.
OEDIPUS
Why were you there?
MESSENGER
I was tending sheep on the mountain.
OEDIPUS
Then were you a hired shepherd?
MESSENGER
Yes, a hired shepherd who saved your life then.
OEDIPUS
What was wrong with me
when you took me in your arms?
MESSENGER
Your ankles are the proof of that.
OEDIPUS
What has that old pain have to do with it?
MESSENGER
I freed your ankles that had been pierced.
OEDIPUS
Yes, I've had this stigma since infancy.
MESSENGER
So that's why you're called Clubfoot - Oedipus.
OEDIPUS
Who did this to me: my father? or my mother?
Tell me.
MESSENGER
I don't know;
but the one who gave you to me
knows more than I.
OEDIPUS
You mean you didn't find me,
but someone gave me to you?
MESSENGER
Yes, another shepherd.
OEDIPUS
Who? Do you remember who he was?
MESSENGER
I think he was in the household of Laius.
OEDIPUS
Do you mean the king who ruled the city?
MESSENGER
Yes, he was his shepherd.
OEDIPUS
Is he still alive? Could I see him?
MESSENGER
You who live here would know that.
OEDIPUS
Does anyone here know this shepherd?
Have you seen him in the fields or city?
Tell me now.
It's time to find out about these things.
THEBAN ELDER
I think it's the shepherd you already sent for;
but the queen will know best.
OEDIPUS
Jocasta, do you know about this man?
Is it the same shepherd we sent for?
JOCASTA
Why ask about him? Disregard it.
Pay no attention to what he said.
It's a waste of time.
OEDIPUS
With these clues I could solve
the mystery of my own birth.
JOCASTA
For God's sake, if you care about your own life,
don't go on with this.
I can't bear any more.
OEDIPUS
Don't worry, Jocasta.
Even if I'm a slave in the third generation,
it's no stain on your nobility.
JOCASTA
Oedipus, I beg you, don't do this.
OEDIPUS
I won't be persuaded to lose the chance
to find out the whole truth.
JOCASTA
It's for your own good that I give you this advice.
OEDIPUS
Then this good advice vexes my patience.
JOCASTA
God help you and keep you
from knowing what you are.
OEDIPUS
Someone go and bring that shepherd to me.
Let the queen find joy in her noble birth.
JOCASTA
O miserable Oedipus! That is all I can call you,
and the last thing I shall ever call you.
Jocasta runs into the inner chambers.
THEBAN ELDER
Why has the queen left in this wild grief?
I'm afraid this silence will burst into horror.
OEDIPUS
Let it burst!
I still want to know
the secret of my birth however low.
She has a woman's pride
and is ashamed for my humble birth.
But I consider myself a child of good Fortune,
and I'll not be ashamed.
Fortune is my mother
and the months my sisters.
This is my family,
and I'll never be false to it
or fail to search for the secret of my birth.
Oedipus goes into the inner chambers.
DISSOLVE TO:
Oedipus comes out of the inner chambers and sees the SERVANT standing next to the elders.
OEDIPUS
Could this be the shepherd?
He's as old as the Corinthian.
Perhaps you know, is he the shepherd?
THEBAN ELDER
Yes, I recognize him.
He was a shepherd for Laius and quite loyal.
OEDIPUS
Corinthian, I ask you, is this the man you mean?
MESSENGER
Yes, this is the man.
Oedipus sits on his throne.
OEDIPUS
Old man, look at me and answer my questions.
Were you a servant of King Laius?
SERVANT
I was, but I was not purchased;
I was raised in his house.
OEDIPUS
What was your work and way of life?
SERVANT
Tending flocks most of my life.
OEDIPUS
Where did you tend flocks?
SERVANT
Cithaeron and that area.
OEDIPUS
Have you seen this man there?
SERVANT
What do you mean? Doing what?
OEDIPUS
This man. Have you ever met him before?
SERVANT
No, not that I can remember.
MESSENGER
It's not surprising, master.
But I'll help him remember.
I'm sure he knows the land of Cithaeron
where we spent six months from spring to autumn
every year for three years.
In the winter I drove my flock to Corinth
and he his two flocks to the fold of Laius.
Isn't that right?
SERVANT
That's true, but it was a long time ago.
MESSENGER
Do you remember giving me a child
to bring up as my own?
SERVANT
What is this? Why are you asking me this?
MESSENGER
Look, my friend, this man was that child.
SERVANT
Death take you! Won't you keep your mouth shut.
OEDIPUS
No, don't find fault with him, old man.
You are more at fault than he.
SERVANT
But master, what have I done wrong?
OEDIPUS
You're refusing to answer
his question about the child.
SERVANT
He doesn't know what he's talking about.
OEDIPUS
If you don't answer freely,
you'll be made to with pain.
SERVANT
Please, sir, don't hurt an old man.
OEDIPUS
You there, twist his arms behind his back.
A guard obeys the order.
SERVANT
Why? What do you want to know?
OEDIPUS
Did you give that child to him?
SERVANT
I did, but I wish I'd died the day I did.
OEDIPUS
You'll get your wish, unless you tell the truth.
SERVANT
If I tell, it'll be worse.
OEDIPUS
Still he tries to delay.
SERVANT
I said I gave him the child.
OEDIPUS
Where did you get it?
Was it yours or someone else's?
SERVANT
Not mine, someone else's.
OEDIPUS
Whose? From what house?
SERVANT
Master, I beg you not to ask me any more.
Oedipus nods to the guard to tighten his hold.
OEDIPUS
I'm asking you for the last time.
SERVANT
The child was from the house of Laius.
OEDIPUS
A slave or of his own line?
SERVANT
Oh, I am on the brink of fearful speech.
OEDIPUS
And I of fearful hearing, but I must hear.
SERVANT
They said it was his child,
but the queen could tell you best.
OEDIPUS
Why? Did she give you the child.
SERVANT
Yes, king.
OEDIPUS
Why?
SERVANT
To kill him.
OEDIPUS
Her own child?
SERVANT
Yes, because she was terrified
of a dreadful prophecy.
OEDIPUS
What prophecy?
SERVANT
That the child would kill his father.
OEDIPUS
Then why did you give him to this man?
SERVANT
I felt sorry for him, master.
I thought he would take him home.
But he saved him for more terrible troubles.
If you are the man he says you are,
you were born for suffering.
OEDIPUS
Oh, I see it all now clearly!
Light, I will never look on you again.
Cursed in my birth!
Cursed in my marriage!
Cursed in shedding blood!
Oedipus runs into the inner chambers.
INT. HALL OF THE PALACE - DAY
Jocasta tearing her hair runs through the hallway toward the bedchamber which she enters.
INT. BEDCHAMBER - DAY
Jocasta closes the door and bolts it.
JOCASTA
O Laius, your son has brought this curse!
My children conceived by my own son!
What a bed of sin this has been!
A husband born of my own husband!
INT. HALL OF THE PALACE - DAY
Oedipus paces frantically back and forth in the hall.
OEDIPUS
A sword! Someone give me a sword!
Where is the queen?! My wife?! My mother?!
Oedipus goes to the bedchamber door and begins pounding on it, finally breaking it in with the force of his whole body.
INT. BEDCHAMBER - DAY
Oedipus enters the bedchamber and sees Jocasta hanging dead from a beam by sheets from the bed. Moaning in agony Oedipus unties the sheets and releases the body of Jocasta onto the bed. Oedipus rips the gold brooches from her dress and gouges out both his eyes.
OEDIPUS
O eyes, no longer shall you see
the misery I have known and caused!
You have seen what is forbidden,
yet failed to recognize what you longed to see.
Now you shall see only darkness.
INT. THEBAN PALACE - DAY
Oedipus comes in from the inner chambers with blood streaming down his face onto his beard and clothes.
THEBAN ELDER
What a dreadful horror for me to see!
Miserable man,
what madness possessed you?
What demon descended upon you?
I can't bear to look at you.
Yet I want to ask you more
and learn more so that I can understand;
but I shudder at the sight of you.
OEDIPUS
Where has this misery brought me?
O Fate, what have you done to me?
The pain, the pain!
My flesh aches from its wounds.
My soul aches from its horrors.
THEBAN ELDER
Body and soul - both suffer and mourn.
OEDIPUS
You still remain with me a constant friend.
You care for me, a blind man now.
Now there is darkness, and I can't see your face;
but I can hear your voice and know you're near.
THEBAN ELDER
How could you have done this?
What demon drove you to it?
OEDIPUS
Apollo brought me this pain and suffering;
but my own hand struck the blow.
Why should I see
when there is nothing good to see?
What sight could give me joy?
Take me away from this land.
I am cursed and doomed, most hated by the gods.
THEBAN ELDER
You have suffered.
I wish I'd never known you.
OEDIPUS
Damn the man who took the bonds from my legs.
I'll never forgive him.
If he had let me die,
I would not be a burden to my friends.
THEBAN ELDER
I wish it had been that way.
OEDIPUS
If I had died then,
I would not have killed my father
and married my mother to become a shame -
father and brother to my children.
Is there any fate worse than that of Oedipus?
THEBAN ELDER
I can't condone what you've done.
You would have been better off dead
than alive and blind.
OEDIPUS
I did what I thought was best.
How could I look upon
my father and mother in Hades?
Could I have joy in seeing my children?
Could I look upon the city of Thebes
after cursing myself to be shunned.
Please hide me somewhere away from this land.
Kill me or throw me into the sea.
Come and touch me in my misery.
Don't be afraid.
No one else can bear my evil doom.
Creon comes in from outside.
THEBAN ELDER
Creon has come to give advice
in what you ask of us.
He alone is left to rule in your place.
CREON
I've not come to mock you, Oedipus
nor to reproach you for the past.
If you still respect people,
revere the sun and do not show unveiled
the pollution that earth nor rain nor light can endure.
Creon speaks to a guard.
CREON (Continued)
Take him inside now.
Only family should see and hear such misery.
OEDIPUS
I ask you one favor.
You have been kinder to me than I deserve.
CREON
What do you ask?
OEDIPUS
Expel me from this land so no one can see me.
CREON
I would have done so,
but first I wish to consult the divine.
OEDIPUS
But the god's will is clear
to let the patricide and sinner die.
CREON
That was indicated,
but in the present circumstances
I wish to learn what I should do.
OEDIPUS
Will you ask about such a wretched man?
CREON
Surely you will trust in the god now.
OEDIPUS
Yes, but I ask you to give a proper funeral
for the one inside; she is your sister.
As for me, do not condemn this city
to suffer my presence any more.
Let me go and live on Cithaeron
where my parents would have let me die.
There I'll die to fulfill their wish.
Creon, don't worry about my sons.
They are boys and can take care of themselves;
but my daughters never ate a meal without me.
Take care of them
and let me touch them one last time.
Let me weep, please.
Creon nods to the guard who ushers in ANTIGONE and ISMENE from inside.
OEDIPUS (Cont'd.)
You are generous and kind.
If I could only touch them and feel they are with me,
as before when I could see them.
Is that crying my daughters?
Has Creon taken pity on me?
Are they here?
CREON
Yes, Oedipus, they're here.
I had them brought to you.
I know how much you love them.
OEDIPUS
Heaven bless you for this, Creon,
and grant you greater kindness than it has me.
Children, where are you?
Come, touch my hands,
the hands of your father and brother,
the hands that blinded these eyes.
I weep for you, my children
when I think of the bitterness
that waits for you in life.
You will suffer at festivals and holidays
when others are rejoicing.
When you are older,
who will be strong enough to marry you
and bear the slanders that will haunt you,
because you are my children?
What disgrace and taunts will follow you?
You will probably remain unwed and without children.
Creon, you are the only father left to them.
We, their parents, are lost.
We gave them life but are lost to them.
Take care of them
so that they do not wander poor and lonely.
Don't let them suffer for what I have done.
Now they have no one but you.
Touch my hand and promise me, noble Creon.
Now, children, I pray
that you can have a better life
than your father knew.
CREON
That's enough. Go inside now.
OEDIPUS
I obey, though it's bitter.
CREON
Everything has its time and place.
OEDIPUS
I'll go on this condition.
CREON
Tell me; I am listening.
OEDIPUS
That you will send me away.
CREON
The gods must decide that, not me.
OEDIPUS
The gods don't care about me.
CREON
Then you'll have your wish.
OEDIPUS
Then you consent?
CREON
What I don't mean, I don't say.
OEDIPUS
Now lead me away.
CREON
Let go of your children and come.
OEDIPUS
No, don't take them from me.
CREON
Don't presume you are still in power,
for your power has not survived with you.
As Creon, Oedipus, Antigone, and Ismene go inside, the Theban elder speaks to the other elders.
THEBAN ELDER
Thebans, look at Oedipus,
who solved the riddle of the Sphinx,
a man envied for his fortune and fame.
Now he drowns in dread and despair.
Here's proof no mortal can be thought happy
until one is delivered from life free of pain.
-end of Part 1-
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