What significant emotion is expressed by Oedipus after his discovery?

After Oedipus uncovers the truth about his identity and the terrible actions he has unknowingly committed, he is overwhelmed by guilt and despair. This profound emotional response stems from his realization that he has fulfilled the tragic prophecy of killing his father and marrying his mother, Jocasta. Such a discovery leads him to feel intense remorse for his actions, despite having been ignorant of them at the time. His reaction is not one of joy, as he recognizes the catastrophic consequences of his fate and the suffering he has caused, making guilt and despair the most significant emotions he expresses. Oedipus’s tragic status amplifies these feelings, as he grapples with the weight of his sins and the irreversible consequences they carry.