Whereas history is particular, literature is universal. We see universal themes in Oedipus, most infamous of all the Oedipal complex. While Freud developed this millennia later, its base themes of an incestuous relationship are heavily inspired by Oedipus, but are far from singular in literature. For example, one can also reference the Electra complex in literature as well. There is also the social concept of men being “mama’s boys,” or more recently the concept of being a “boy mom.” Part of this is pushed by the age-old patriarchal expectation that a man can only be vulnerable around his mother, caregiver that she is.
Another prevalent trope is “ignorance is bliss.” While remaining unknowing of the sins he had committed, Oedipus is revered as the savior and ruler. He is able to make such proclamations of driving the scourge from the land due to his pride in his identity as king. There is also the inevitability of fate, in that one can run and hide as much as one may like, but they cannot escape the machinations of fate and the gods.
