Oedipus Rex - tragic
Through the character of Oedipus, Sophocles shows the futility and consequences of defying the divine order. Oedipus served Thebes as a great ruler, loved by his subjects; but it is his one tragic flaw, hubris, which dooms his existence, regardless of the character attributes that make him such a beloved king. Because of this and through examples, it can be shown that Oedipus brings himself to ruin perhaps of judgment errors caused by weakness in character. From the opening dialogue we sense the character of Oedipus. When confronted by his subjects praying for relief of the plague he reacts kingly and graciously, saying. "You may count on me; I am ready to do anything to help." (Page 2). He obviously cares for the people in his kingdom, but he goes on to say "I would be insensitive to pain, if I felt no pity for my people seated here." (Page 2). The pity he feels is rooted not only in his love and sympathy, but his arrogance as well. Perhaps this attitude is duly justified, for Oedipus had solved the Sphinx's riddle, an apparently heroic feat, and was seen to be "world-famous Oedipus", but
the leader that he had become still possessed the hubristic tendencies which doomed him from the time he fled Corinth. Despite Oedipus' arrogance, he is a good man in general, yet Sophocles illustrates the strict obedience required by the gods and the code of ethics of the Greek society. Well, let my destiny go where it will" (Page 103). For the years between the destruction of the Sphinx, and the present time we are left to assume that Oedipus served his kingdom well; however, we still see the essence of his original self-righteousness. Regardless of any punishment Oedipus has previously received from the gods, he is still ultimately responsible for each of his offenses, singularly. It is impossible to speculate what may have happened to Oedipus had he stayed in Corinth, but it is the attempt to avoid his fate that dooms him not only to fulfill the prophecy, but to suffer yet greater consequences.
Common topics in this essay:
Despite Oedipus',
Oedipus Sophocles,
Speculation Oedipus,
Apollo Punishment,
Oracle Apollo,
oedipus served,
,
character oedipus,
oedipus continues,
page 2,
page 102,
punishment oedipus,
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Acceptance Essays
