How does Oedipus's initial search for truth shift towards self-discovery?

Oedipus's journey begins as a quest for the truth about the plague afflicting Thebes and the unresolved murder of King Laius. Initially, he seeks to uncover the external truths from various sources, such as oracles and the testimonies of others. As the narrative progresses, however, Oedipus's pursuit leads him to a more profound self-examination.

This shift is characterized by his growing awareness of the irony of his situation; while he focuses on discovering the faults of others, particularly those involved in Laius's murder, he inadvertently draws closer to the realization of his own identity and actions. When Oedipus uncovers the truth about his heritage and the fulfillment of the prophecy—that he killed his father and married his mother—he is forced to confront the consequences of his own past decisions and actions. This moment of self-discovery is pivotal because it transforms his initial search for truth into a painful acknowledgment of his own flaws and the dire ramifications they have caused.

Ultimately, this brutal confrontation with the self is what makes Oedipus's journey tragic and profound, as he moves from seeking to blame others to recognizing the tragic flaws within himself.