... the reason behind the success of this play. This essay examines the character development of the protagonist, and the motif of ignorance and dramatic irony that it surfaces. This passage is a turning point in the audience's view of Oedipus' character, and foreshadows his approaching downfall. When Teiresias states that 'Oedipus will not forget [his] insults... when all men throw the same at [him] (372-373), it foretells the fact that the King would be treated the same way in the future as he treats the prophet in the present. This reminds the reader of the proverb 'What comes around, goes around' which teaches that everything one does to others comes back in a circle. The statement creates dramatic irony in the audience as they know that Oedipus's fate is to be ashamed for his immoral life. The reason for the prophet to come forward with this lies in the King's insult ...

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