A messenger from the palace announces that the queen is dead. He describes the details of the queen’s suicide as well as Oedipus’ horrifying self-blinding with Jocasta’s pins.
Oedipus appears on stage to the horror and pity of the chorus. Questioned about his self-mutilation, Oedipus explains in agony that he has raked out his eyes because he could not look again upon the loved ones he has defiled, especially his daughters Ismene and Antigone.
Oedipus begs Creon—who has assumed authority in Thebes—to have him put to death or banished. Creon says that he will consult the oracle for judgement; in the meantime, he counsels Oedipus to accept obedience. Humbled, Oedipus disappears with Creon into the palace, as the chorus again laments Oedipus’ downfall.
