Oedipus
According to Aristotle, Oedipus in the play Oedipus Rex by Sophacles would be a prime example of a tragic hero as he perfectly portrays the qualities of good, consistency and necessary or probable. The quality of good played by Oedipus in the play Oedipus Rex is a perfect portrayal for the element of character in a good tragedy. Aristotle discusses, "First, and most important, it must be good…the character will be good if the purpose is good" (Aristotle, 6). First and foremost, a character in a tragedy should be one who is generally good according to Aristotle and has a moral purpose throughout the tragedy. The city of Thebes is smitten by a terrible plague, withering the crops and decimating the townspeople. In their distress and agony they seek the help of their king, Oedipus. He comments, " ... I have not sent out servants to question you: I have come myself, Oedipus the King, to hear What it is you are seeking ... I have long known The City's agony; I have lain awake And frightened the grey dawn with troubled thoughts, Searching the means to end my people's misery....What his advice he brings from God, I shall obey it gladly, fair or sad" (Sophocles, 6-8). Despite Oedipus the King having high class in the city of Thebes, he is not egoistic. He is profoundly loyal to his people, and truly feels compassionate of their distress. Oedipus does not allow his egoistic instincts to get the better of him and continues to maintain his moral purpose of being good which ultimately is to support the people of Thebes and diminish any difficulties that have or may arise.
The quality of consistency in a tragic hero is another vital element of character that is portrayed well by Oedipus. Consistency “Conformity in the application of something, typically that which is necessary for the sake of logic, accuracy, or
The quality of consistency in a tragic hero is another vital element of character that is portrayed well by Oedipus. Consistency “Conformity in the application of something, typically that which is necessary for the sake of logic, accuracy, or