Sometimes there may be more to a happy ending than pleasing events. A “happy” ending could be defined as justice as in the character gets what he or she deserves. Despite the fact that “Oedipus Rex” is a tragedy, it has a happy ending, though it is difficult to see. These types of endings may be more effective than traditional “happy” endings.
When “Oedipus Rex” begins Oedipus unknowingly kills his father, King La?os, out of anger. Teirisias explains the prophecy that Oedipus will kill his father and marry his mother has come true. Oedipus argues against this with Kreon and Teirisias throughout most of the story. However, eventually, Oedipus realized that he had fulfilled the prophecy. It was because of this his mother committed suicide and Oedipus whipped his eyes out. He also realized that he had arrogantly insulted several others that warned him about the prophecy and claimed that it had already come true. He realized they were telling the truth. This makes it difficult to find the happiness in the ending. The tragic events overshadow the true happiness in the ending and it must be dug for. The happiness in the poem is that when Oedipus exiles himself from everyone, he is at peace with himself. He had the courage to punish himself and accept his fate. If Oedipus was not at peace with himself he would not have exiled himself, would have remained king, and the complexion of the story would have been much different. By being at peace he serves himself justice and does not have a problem with being exiled, which is meant to soothe the audience. Oedipus also gets to touch his daughters at the end of the play because he can’t see them, which also gives the audience a sense of joy. If he was not at peace, the ending would not be considered happy. Remaining king would have just caused more problems with the society and make the audience feel that the story ended with Oedipus as the most arrogant human in the world. However, his self punishment shows that he is human and that he is willing to accept his mistakes.
There are happy endings that are clear and easy to find. However, there are some that must be searched for if they are to be discovered. Therefore, there are times when happy endings that are difficult to find are more effective than those that are found easily.
