Oedipus at Colonus Family Quotes

How we cite our quotes: (Line)

Quote #10

OEDIPUS. [. . .] But they—their father’s own!—

Who could have helped their father, did not wish

To do so! For the lack of a small word from them,

I was driven out forever, an exile, a beggar. (441-44)

Oedipus takes his punishment from the gods without complaining too much. He gets it that he has to face the consequences of his fate. But he just can’t forgive his family for turning their backs on him. There they had a choice, unlike the divine justice he’s facing. Poor Eddie (can we call him Eddie?).