At one time in our lives there is a moment that we may think of ourselves as better than someone or something else. There may also be a point when making a decision leads to a great error in judgment. In the play Oedipus the King, written by Sophocles, both of these characteristics can be seen in the main character. These characteristics are known as tragic flaws. These flaws are excess pride, leading to overconfidence, and weakness in judgment. Both of these characteristics are the main reason of destruction and downfall in mankind and the tragic hero in this play. The tragic hero is unable to escape his misfortune that is destined to happen. There are many more tragic flaws other than these two that also contribute to the falling of the hero. The destruction and downfall can be seen as fate. Even though the hero chooses his own actions, the resulting consequences that come about are ones that are unable to be changed. As seen, no one is able to outrun his or her own fate.
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By trying to escape his fate, he brings his fate into reality. He choose to get angry and chooses to kill the king. Appearance to Oedipus is very important.
Another incident where there is an error in judgment, is when Oedipus runs from his own homeland including his mother and father. He is also blind and is unable to see the city with his own two eyes.
Another one of Oedipus's characteristics that lead to his downfall and destruction is his temper. As seen throughout the play, nothing Oedipus does or will do, can change his fate. To him, Teiresias has no feelings and is ignorant to the city. The tragic hero in this play is quick to anger and quick to come to judgment. He also acts as though he is on a different level then him.
Throughout this play, characteristics of character and fate are what bring the destruction and downfall to the main character and tragic hero. It ends sorrowfully and disastrously, and this outcome seems inevitable. Looking at these examples, it is seen that the tragic hero falls because of his tragic flaws, his very own actions, and his inability to change his own fate.
Approximate Word count =
679
Approximate Pages =
3 (250 words per page double spaced)
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