Oedipus, now incredibly dejected, continues to address the Chorus: Now I've exposed my guilt, horrendous guilt, could I train a level glance on you, my countrymen? Here, the king is obviously much changed from the opening scenes where he is seen as a noble hero. Perhaps he can still be considered a tragic hero, yet he has fallen far from the pedestal on which he initially rests.
Soon Creon enters and Oedipus feels immediately self-conscious and humbled before the man be once called a traitor. Oedipus begs forgiveness from Creon, admitting, I was so wrong, so wrong. Yet Creon doesn't take advantage of his brother-in-law's weakened state, insisting that Oedipus should not be seen in this vulnerable condition.
Next, Oedipus asks Creon, who will now take over as king, if he will please exile him far from the city. Creon tentatively agrees, but first says that he must consult the will of the gods. Oedipus then requests to see his daughters, Antigone and Ismene, one final time. They soon enter, crying for their father. He gives them a sorrowful farewell, instructing Creon to watch over them.
Finally, the scene ends with Oedipus being escorted off stage, presumably to exile. The Chorus concludes the tragedy, addressing the melancholy citizens of Thebes: Now as we keep our watch and wait the final day, count no man happy till he dies, free of pain at last.
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