Oedipus the King
Nobody would envy the situation Oedipus finds himself in at the end of Sophocles' playwright 'King Oedipus', a situation that he in part brought down on himself through his unflinching efforts to uncover the answers of the past. Once proclaiming to Thebes that he would find Laius' killer he continues to search for the answers he seeks, even when those answers are far from what he or anyone else expected. His ability to solve riddles was an aspect of Oedipus' personality that he prided himself on. However, when this riddle is solved a can of worms is opened that continues to plague him and his family for many years to come, yet Oedipus' character and integrity still remain intact at the end of the play.We are introduced to Oedipus as a strong and effective leader -"greatest of men"- while also being caring and compassionate. He is content with his life but is always willing to assist his kingdom in whatever way is necessary. He is admired and trusted by all his subjects, largely as a result of his defeat of the sphinx fifteen years earlier. However, his hamartia becomes evident when his impetuous nature is revealed.Upon learning of the plague afflicting Thebes Oedipus is quick to act- "I have not been idle." He begins to searc
However, he has not lost his nobility and even gained ennoblement of spirit while searching for the truth. Warnings are given repeatedly by the chorus, Jocasta and most notably Teiresias. While this course of action does ultimately begin the process of uncovering the past, when others come forth Oedipus fails to give any consideration to the consequences. He suffers many varying losses from then on. Thus when he realises there may be something about his past of which he is unaware, it is in his nature as a proud man to learn the reality of his past no matter what the cost. As a result of his own curse that he unknowingly brought down on Laius' killer at the start of the play, he must now suffer spiritual exile and will no longer be allowed to participate in religious activities. Despite all of his suffering, Oedipus is left with ennoblement of spirit through his suffering, and his integrity, nobility and kingly attributes remain intact. Jocasta, unable to accept reality hangs herself to save her honour, shortly after Oedipus punishes himself for his sin of "begetting where I was begot" and blinds himself. " Provoking Teiresias results in another fragment of truth being revealed, to Oedipus' detriment. He is still considered to be noble as he leaves Thebes in order to release the town from the plague- "I would willingly do anything to help you", and he ensures the safety of his children, particularly his daughters by asking Creon to look after them. Teiresias, who is arguably the most knowledgable character in the play, refuses to utter anything about Laius' murder as he has considered the consequences- "when wisdom brings no profit, to be wise is to suffer"- unlike Oedipus who is too rash and impulsive calling Teiresias a "shameless and brainless, sightless sot. Losing Jocasta and later his children is a great personal loss, while emotionally he looses his more carefree nature to inner turmoil as a result of his sins. On several occasions throughout the play, Oedipus is warned not to purse the truth. h for Laius' killer, however when no information comes forth he becomes reckless and begins to call down curses from the Gods before he has accumulated any substantial evidence. It is evident that Oedipus hamartia of his impetuous nature and his commitment to follow through is largely responsible for the circumstances he finds himself in at the end of the play.
Common topics in this essay:
Thebes Oedipus,
Psychologically Oedipus,
Thebes Laius',
Gods Oedipus,
Provoking Teiresias,
Teiresias Teiresias,
Oedipus Sophocles',
Losing Jocasta,
laius' killer,
,
ennoblement spirit,
impetuous nature,
remain intact,
oedipus' past,
start play,
truth oedipus,
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Acceptance Essays
