How does Oedipus initially react to the messenger's news about his parentage?

Oedipus's initial reaction to the messenger's news about his parentage is characterized by relief followed by despair. When the messenger arrives, he brings what appears to be good news for Oedipus, confirming that he was adopted and that his biological parents are not the ones he thought they were, leading Oedipus to feel a sense of relief. This news alleviates his fears about the prophecy that he would kill his father and marry his mother.

However, this relief quickly turns to despair as the truth about his biological parents and the implications of the prophecy come to light. The realization that he has unintentionally fulfilled the prophecy by killing his father, King Laius, and marrying his mother, Jocasta, overwhelms him with horror and regret. This complex emotional arc highlights the tragic irony of Oedipus's situation: his initial hope is soon crushed by the unfolding of a grim reality.

This choice aptly encompasses the duality of Oedipus's emotional response, showcasing the play's themes of knowledge, ignorance, and fate.