What does the Oracle say regarding the cause of the plague in Thebes?

The Oracle's message regarding the cause of the plague in Thebes is pivotal to the unfolding of the story in "Oedipus Rex." The correct interpretation is that the plague is a punishment for the murderer of King Laius. This pronouncement underscores the consequences of unresolved guilt and the need for justice in the city. The plague represents a larger moral and social disorder stemming from King Laius's unsolved murder, indicating that the well-being of the community is directly linked to the uncovering of this crime.

The idea that the plague is a punishment introduces the theme of fate versus free will. It reveals Oedipus's quest to rid Thebes of the affliction, which is inherently tied to his own identity as he unknowingly seeks to uncover the truth about his own actions and their implications. By addressing the violation of natural order rooted in Laius's murder, the Oracle sets the stage for the inevitable revelation of Oedipus's tragic fate.

Understanding the Oracle’s message deepens the audience's perception of the tragic irony present in the play, as Oedipus, in his determination to find the murderer, is unknowingly searching for himself. This connection also lays the groundwork for the eventual downfall of Oedipus