Sophocles uses many literary techniques in his play to add a sense of parallelism between his writing choices and the plot structure of the play. The most prominent is syntax in dialogue. The beginning of the play features a confident Oedipus; he believes he will conquer the plague of his city and overcome all challenges. Simultaneously, he views himself as a selfless man, always working for the people. His temper is kept at bay only because no events have challenged it yet. However, as Oedipus begins to lose control over himself, the syntax is much more crisp and concise; this is reflective of the fact that Oedipus no longer takes care in his words, his emotions have taken over. A prime example is the conversation between Oedipus and Tiresias "Who could restrain his anger hearing you? What outrage-you spurn the city!" (Sophocles 386-387). This is contrasting to the flowing elegant speeches he provides in the beginning of the play, such as when he addresses his people: "Well I know you are sick to heath, all of you, but sick as you are, not one is sick as I" (Sophocles 71-73).
Another major literary element in the play is the motif of sight. Sophocles creates an irony within the physical ability of sight; while being one of the primary senses, it ultimately hinders our ability to judge what is truly surrounding us. Sophocles is able to logically create this as a motif due to the character of Tiresias, a blind prophet that sees all. By condemning Oedipus to gouge out his own eyes, Sophocles has simultaneously given him wisdom. This is accurately represented in the play when Oedipus finally agrees to listen to Creon rather than resenting him and his words earlier in the play.
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