What feeling does Oedipus experience after learning of Polybus' natural death?

After learning of Polybus' natural death, Oedipus feels relief because he initially interpreted this news as a sign that the prophecy he feared—of killing his father—was not fulfilled. He had believed that the prophecy dictated his fate, leading him to leave Corinth to avoid any actions that could lead to that outcome. The death of Polybus allowed him to relax his fears, as it suggested that he was not responsible for any wrongdoing toward his father. This sense of relief reflects Oedipus’ desire to escape the fate foretold to him and signifies a moment of hope before the story takes a tragic turn. His feelings in this moment are rooted in the misunderstanding of his situation, viewing death as an escape from the burden of guilt and prophecy.