In Oedipus Rex (or Oedipus the King), the city of Thebes is being ravaged by a plague. Oedipus (the king of Thebes) learns the city is being punished because the murder of the previous king, Laius, was never solved. Oedipus knows that all he has to do is find Laius' murderer, punish him, and save the city. This will not be easy to do, however.
Then Tiresias, a blind prophet, comes in. He says that he knows who murdered the former king, but will say nothing more. His silence angers Oedipus, and Oedipus flies into a rage. He insults Tiresias until the prophet says that Oedipus is the one to blame. Of course, Oedipus does not know that he actually did murder Laius, and begins to further argue with Tiresias. He even insults Tiresias for being blind. Eventually Tiresias leaves, saying that Oedipus will soon learn the truth.
Little does Oedipus know that Tiresias is correct. Oedipus is to blame for the death of the former king and for the plague that has defended upon Thebes. His anger and pride, however, prevent him from seeing the truth until it is far too late.
These responses show the reader much about Oedipus' character. He is quick to anger and flies off the handle easily (this, of course, is what led him to murder Laius). Furthermore, he is stubborn and cannot admit the possibility that Tiresias knows more than he does. His pride prevents him from admitting he could be capable of any wrongdoing. The tragedy of the play is caused by his anger and pride.
