The Character Change of Oedipus
The character Oedipus in Sophocles' drama Oedipus the King goes through an unfortunate but necessary character change. From a prideful, heroic king at the beginning of the play, to a tyrant in denial towards the middle, and finally to a fearful, condemned man, humbled by his tragic fate, Oedipus' change personifies that which makes an unforgettable drama. When Oedipus is first introduced, he appears to be a confident, valiant hero and reasonably so. Taking into mind the background of the drama, we learn that this foreigner to Thebes arrives at the city limits, braves death, solves the Sphinx's riddle and releases the city from the horrible terror. Only a man like Oedipus, a man possessing tremendous intelligence and self-confidence could have such courage. Although at times Oedipus questions the gods' accuracy and authority, the people don't mind because of the great deed he had done. When Oedipus succeeds, he becomes instantly famous and loved by all because of his courage and intelligence. The citizens of Thebes consider Oedipus' actions are special gifts from the gods used to benefit the city as a whole.
At this moment Jocasta has discovered the truth - it was indeed Oedipus who killed Laius. Fittingly, Tieresias takes the offensive. Overjoyed, Jocasta sends for Oedipus. "Oedipus now takes the role of a paranoid tyrant. Upon Creon's departure, Jocasta herself questions the accuracy of the prophecies using the example of the prophecy that Laius' would be killed by his own son. I find it incredible that Oedipus never distanced himself from his people. Often when someone becomes famous, they tend to forget their roots and assume a status higher than everyone else. Upon Creon's arrival, Oedipus learns of the good news that to lift the plague, the murder of the previous king, Laius, must be found. Oedipus begs for assistance in finding the murderer, only to have Tieresias announce that he should have never come and wishes to depart. It is my opinion that at this point, Oedipus is at the point of no return. However, one statement troubled Oedipus - the mention of a meeting of three roads - because he once killed a man while in a fit of rage at such an area. Upon the messenger's arrival, he tells Oedipus that he is that same baby. But instead, Oedipus was the only one who was smart enough to do so. If Teiresias is a seer, then he should have been able to solve the riddle. A messenger from Corinth enters with the news that Oedipus's father Polybus is dead.
Common topics in this essay:
Oedipus King,
Fittingly Tieresias,
Oracle Apollo,
Oedipus Jocasta,
Consequently Oedipus,
Apollo Teiresias,
Overjoyed Jocasta,
Amazingly Oedipus,
Unfortunately Oedipus,
Polybus Merope,
oedipus' change,
oedipus questions,
oedipus' character,
tyrant denial towards,
finally fearful condemned,
middle finally,
finding murderer,
tragic fate,
fate oedipus',
finally fearful,
fearful condemned,
middle finally fearful,
towards middle finally,
condemned humbled,
denial towards middle,
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Acceptance Essays
