Oedipus' epiphany is truthful in its current state, but his decision not to acknowledge his sin before its realization ultimately renders his epiphany invalid, and his only purpose is to assist him in receiving the sympathy of the citizens of Thebes. Sophocles uses the phrase “this evil is mine” to suggest how Oedipus has matured over the course of his life, taking responsibility for his own sinful actions and behaviors. Of course, Oedipus is full of regret, and Sophocles even uses the repetition of the word “guilt” to symbolize how this emotion has devoured his entire life in desperation, where “pain” and “guilt” are intertwined with strength. Indeed, as Sophocles comments, the consequence of a sinful decision causes an act of punishment on the part of the gods in deciding the miserable fate of an individual through his rebellion against evil against the supernatural. Thus, in the story of Oedipus and his unfortunate fate, Sophocles expresses Oedipus' proud attitude which has its roots in the arrogance and excessive confidence he acquires to illustrate the vicious circle of sinful decisions we make and the sudden awareness how our tragic flaw could lead us into imminent and overwhelming trouble