In Sophocles’ tragedy ‘Oedipus Rex’, Jocasta, the wife of Oedipus and mother of his children, dies by suicide. The news of her husband’s true identity—that he has unwittingly killed his father and married his mother—overwhelms her with horror and despair.
After Oedipus learns from the shepherd that he is indeed the son of Jocasta, she is unable to cope with the revelations. In a state of profound anguish, she retreats to her chambers, where she ultimately takes her own life. This act is a tragic culmination of the play’s exploration of fate, guilt, and the devastating consequences of Oedipus’ actions, as it highlights the inescapable nature of their shared destiny. Jocasta’s death serves as a poignant reminder of the tragic flaws that lead to ruin in the lives of the characters.