Oedipus

In the play Oedipus Rex, the main character Oedipus exhibits qualities which are shared by all mankind. Whether it is his intelligence, courage, devotion, self-confidence, impatience, anger, or persistence, Oedipus symbolizes man’s prominence and blemishes concurrently. Several of these characteristics prove to be emblematic of the Athenian people and the great Athenian statesman, Pericles. It is these qualities that bring about his downfall and help ameliorate his end, a paradox worthy of our attention. Furthermore, it is important for us to see Oedipus as a human being rather than a deity, thus establishing him as an individual we can all relate to.

Throughout the play, Oedipus proves to possess several constructive qualities that distinguish him as a hero. One of these heroic qualities is intelligence. Perhaps the most well known example of this is Oedipus’ ability to solve the riddle of the ruthless Sphinx. “It was no easy riddle, and he answered it, as he proudly asserts, without help from prophets, from bird-signs, from gods; he answered it alone, with his intelligence” (Knox, "Sophocles' Oedipus", 6). This in fact, won Oedipus the city of Thebes, and consequently the respect of all its inhabitants. It proved Oedipus’ natu

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He shows to be emblematic of both virtuous and impious qualities, an unexpected element of the great Sophoclean tragedy.

Oedipus also symbolizes Athenian courage and nobility. Even as his city is suffering from a horrible plague, Pericles talks of Athenian potentials as unlimited (Knox, Oedipus at Thebes, 72). “He was in fault for not perceiving the truth, now he is in fault because he is too urgent to see it. Firstly, he pursues his search just for the security of his people. Was it not righteous of Oedipus when he urged Creon to share the awaited news with his people? Any ordinary king would not allow of this, but Oedipus with great concern for the well-being of his people, finds it his obligation. Even though Oedipus is not a native Theban, he still chooses to solve the riddle despite the Sphinx’s threat of death to those who answer it incorrectly. Whether the case, this organized process of observation and measurement shows human intellect at its finest. This anger is recognizable as the terrible swift anger of the Athenian people. Even when Creon describes the location of the former king’s death, Oedipus “realizes nothing”, and continues to demand the identity of Lauis’ killer. These examples of his self-confidence are sadly ironic, for they both augment his power and lead to his downfall. Just like the Athenian people of his day, Oedipus was most courageous during times of hardship and misfortune (Knox, 69). This can be seen when he violently murdered the former king, Lauis. This can be seen from the beginning of the play through Oedipus’ quick and decisive questioning of Tiresias and Creon.

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