What is the shepherd's reaction to being in the presence of Oedipus and the Messenger?

The shepherd's confusion and disorientation stem from the heavy burden of knowledge he carries regarding Oedipus's true origins and the complex web of fate surrounding him. When confronted by Oedipus and the Messenger, the shepherd realizes that the truth he has been trying to suppress is being pushed back to the surface. This creates a tumultuous emotional state where he grapples with the implications of his past actions and the devastating revelations about Oedipus's identity.

In this moment, the shepherd finds himself in a precarious position between revealing the truth and protecting Oedipus from the painful reality. His initial instinct is confusion, as he is caught off guard by their presence and the weight of the situation, which contributes to his overall disorientation. This highlights the intense dramatic irony in the play, where the audience is aware of Oedipus's fate while the characters are still unraveling the truth.