Often everyone’s first classroom introduction to drama, and the reason so many then turn away. Why is it taught so often and so poorly? It is not about “man being a puppet in the hands of the gods” or there being “no free will.” It is not a moral lesson against pride. It is not an attempt to answer the question “Who am I?” but rather a desperate inquiry into the uglier question “Why am I?” We often think of Oedipus’ hubris as trying to solve the riddle of himself without the help of others or the gods, but he knows who he is. He says so within the first ten lines: “I am Oedipus.” Now, just because he learns the truth of his past does not change who he is, but rather, why he is who he is. And his true arrogance is actually quite noble. He says to his suffering people, “I am ready to help, I’ll do anything.” That is where the tragedy begins. In truth, it is often our best qualities (helping, listening, loving) that get us into the most trouble, and our worst qualities (insert yours here) that save you in the end. If only Oedipus had a good defense attorney, because the reasonable doubt is right there in the text. Over and over again, the story of Laius’ death reveals “a whole band, not single-handed, cut King Lauis down.” Over and over again, the reports say he was killed by “robbers” or “thieves” or “bandits.” All in the plural. Yet over and over again, Oedipus puts it into the singular: “robber, thief, bandit.” He knows he was alone, on his own when he killed that man where the three roads meet. Yet he also knows a good king must sacrifice himself for his people. Whether he really killed his own father, and as a result married his own mother, is cast into doubt. And ironically, that is of little real interest. What matters here is that this lone individual, in his attempt to figure out why he is who he is, learns that such inquiry always comes at a great cost. His true strength is pursuing that answer regardless of the expense, finding the truth, enduring it once found, and accepting the responsibility for all of his actions — both unthinkable and innocent. It is a great testament to the human intellect to discover happiness is built upon an illusion, and to go on living with — and in spite of — this knowledge.