Why does Oedipus curse his sons?

Oedipus curses Polynices and, by extension, the house of Thebes because his sons valued throne over father. When Polynices arrives seeking alliance against Eteocles, Oedipus hears how both brothers allowed his exile to continue while they fought for power. Antigone’s daily care contrasts with sons who waited for his death to settle inheritance.

The curse prophesies mutual slaughter — the same fratricide Antigone will mourn. Sophocles makes the scene emotionally ugly on purpose: Oedipus is not a gentle patriarch here but a wronged man using final authority. Link the curse to filial duty and to political rivalry; it is both personal wound and public warning about civil war. Students should note Ismene’s report of oracle and battle lines, not only the shouted denunciation.