Oedipus The Architect

?For every action there is an equal and opposite reaction.? Newton?s first law. In other words, there are consequences, be they good or bad, for everything we do. A person?s character, defined by the qualities they display, is what guides their actions. If Oedipus? character is responsible for his actions and the consequences of his actions represent his tragedy, then his character, or character flaws are responsible for the tragedy. The dominant flaws in Oedipus? character are his superstitious nature, his short temper and impulsiveness, and his stubbornness. Oedipus? tragic fall is not written in the stars but is brought about consequentially, by the flaws that shine through when his character is put to the test.

Normally superstitions are innocent, even healthy. However, when they influence important decisions or precipitate unnecessary actions, the pretense of innocence grows thin and the repercussions of those actions reveal them for what they, under most circumstances, are: mistakes, bad calls, screw ups, etc. Oedipus let his belief and fear of Apollo?s prophecy; that he would kill his father marry his mother, control his actions on more than one occasion. Oedipus? belief in Apollo?s prophecy was

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