What does Oedipus' search for the truth ultimately reveal?

Oedipus' relentless pursuit of the truth ultimately reveals his tragic flaw and fate. Throughout the play, Oedipus is portrayed as a determined and noble leader, seemingly devoted to saving Thebes from the plague that afflicts it. However, this search for truth is deeply intertwined with his hubris—his excessive pride—which leads him to defy the warnings of the oracle and ultimately discover the horrifying reality of his origins.

As he uncovers the truth about his past, Oedipus learns that he has unwittingly killed his father and married his mother, fulfilling the very prophecy he sought to avoid. This realization underscores Oedipus' tragic flaw: his inability to accept his limitations and the inevitability of fate. Instead of bringing him glory, the truth leads to his downfall, illustrating the classic theme of tragic fate in Greek literature. In essence, Oedipus' journey highlights the interplay between human effort and the inexorable forces of destiny, ultimately cementing his status as a tragic hero.