Thesis: In Oedipus, Sophocles deconstructs the conventional meaning of the word “heart” to communicate negative traits.

Antithesis: In Oedipus, Sophocles represents “the heart” as the only uncorrupted part of the body.

Syntehsis: Though “the heart” usually conjures affectionate and good-willed connotations, Sophocles dismantles the word to convey dishonesty, and fear.

Negative traits

· The chorus says that “terror shakes my heart” for some envisioned sacrifice. This shows that the heart is filled with not love but fear and dread.

· Oedipus tries to find the “heart of our corruption”, unknowing that he, himself, is the “heart”. Through this phrase, the reader visualizes the heart as a corrupting source that infects the body.

· Oedipus tells Teresias he could enrage a “heart of stone”, characterizing the heart as a cold, depersonalized object.

· The chorus says that “never in my heart” will they denounce the king, while in actuality, they end up ousting him from society. This shows the deceit ingrained in the heart.

· Oedipus communicates his unwillingness to live in a world branded by his crimes, or with people “stained to the heart” with his corruption; this shows how the heart can sometimes be lacking in compassion and understanding.

· The leader announces the prophecy about Oedipus “fills our hearts with fear.”

· The messenger describes Oedipus’ reaction to Jocala’s death with a “wrenching sob that broke our hearts,” communicating the heartbreak associated with the soul.

positive traits

· Oedipus extends the “gratitude in my heart” to whoever finds information about the killer.

o However, when Teresias offers his information, this gratitude quickly crumbles.

· The chorus mentions that “you lift our monarch’s heart,” showing the positive nature of the heart.

o However, the monarch’s heart is never lifted, as the prophecy is, in fact, true.

· Oedipus asks to see his daughters “with all your noble heart,” showing the compassion that usually resides in the heart.