Summarize the beginning of Oedipus Rex, including the setting, the problem, Oedipus's past success, and the people's plea.

The city of Thebes is suffering from a severe plague, described as a "wrecked ship in a storm." This plague causes widespread death among its people, livestock, and crops.

Oedipus previously saved the city from the Sphinx, which had enslaved the city.

The Priest and the people implore Oedipus to use his wisdom and strength to rescue the city from the current plague.

Oedipus has already sent Creon to consult Apollo for a solution and promises to act on the oracle's findings, which involve finding the killer of the former king.