Oedipus Tragic Hero
Oedipus as a Tragic Hero Essay D1
In the tragedy, Oedipus Rex, Sophocles portrays the character Oedipus as a tragic hero.
By using Aristotle's interpretation of tragedy and a tragic hero, Oedipus is rendered as a favorable illustration. Oedipus Rex written by Sophocles exemplifies Oedipus as the quintessential interpretation of a tragic hero. Oedipus is the embodiment of Aristotle’s definition of a tragic hero as he depicts character traits such as hubris, tragic flaw, coming from a high social status, and suffering during his moment of recognition.
With the help of both Oedipus’ fate and freewill he was not only born in but lived in high social status. Oedipus abuses his gift of power and uses to to be arrogant towards Teiresias. While talking …show more content…
Choragus’ statement showed not only Oedipus’ pride, but the envy that fills Choragos and others.
Oedipus was filled with importance as Choragos addresses him. Choragus turns to Oedipus and says “...O mighty King, we turn to you: Find us our safety…” (43-44). The choirs’ safety in Oedipus fills him with pride and importance. Oedipus’ actions and state of mind leads him to a life of high social status.
By using Oedipus’ ignorance and fate Sophocles portrays him as not entirely good nor bad.Oedipus claims respect for his citizens and addressing them about their rights. Oedipus tells his citizens, “That is your right; it will not be denied you…” (726). Through Oedipus’ respect for individuals he provides equal opportunity. Oedipus’ fate provides him with his moment of recognition. During his moment of recognition Oedipus claims "...my father’s blood, my own blood, spilled by my own hand: can you remember the unspeakable things I did there..”(1348-1350). When Oedipus realizes what he did he refers to his actions as unspeakable. Oedipus is claimed to be the pollution of the country due to corruption by Teiresias. In a moment of rage Teiresias tells Oedipus, “You, yourself (Oedipus) are the pollution to this country” (338). Oedipus, unaware of his actions, was the real reason the city was in a deep plague. Oedipus’ both good and bad actions allowed him to reach a …show more content…
Oedipus’ ignorance is compared to Tiresias’ blindness. Teiresias says this ironic statement to Oedipus, “There is, but not for you. You don't have this, since you are blind in your ears and mind and eyes” (390-391). Teiresias may be blind but Oedipus’ ignorance leads for him to be at a greater disability. Oedipus is claimed to be the pollution in this country due to Laius’ murder by Teiresias. When accused of murder Oedipus states, “If I am found guilty of treason with Teiresias then sentence me to death!” (570-580). Oedipus believes he is innocent to such an extent that he assembles his own future punishment. Oedipus is haunted by his own fate and prophecy that soon paves the way for his punishment. After Oedipus realizes he killed his father he says, “This punishment that I have laid upon myself is just. If I had eyes, I do not know how I could bear the sight of my father, when I came to the house of Death, or my mother; for I have sinned against them both” (1315-1321). Due to his fulfillment of his prophecy and the murder of King Laius, Oedipus’ punishment was brought upon himself. Due to Oedipus’ prophecy he was given at birth his fate was inevitable and lead to his ignorance and
In the tragedy, Oedipus Rex, Sophocles portrays the character Oedipus as a tragic hero.
By using Aristotle's interpretation of tragedy and a tragic hero, Oedipus is rendered as a favorable illustration. Oedipus Rex written by Sophocles exemplifies Oedipus as the quintessential interpretation of a tragic hero. Oedipus is the embodiment of Aristotle’s definition of a tragic hero as he depicts character traits such as hubris, tragic flaw, coming from a high social status, and suffering during his moment of recognition.
With the help of both Oedipus’ fate and freewill he was not only born in but lived in high social status. Oedipus abuses his gift of power and uses to to be arrogant towards Teiresias. While talking …show more content…
Choragus’ statement showed not only Oedipus’ pride, but the envy that fills Choragos and others.
Oedipus was filled with importance as Choragos addresses him. Choragus turns to Oedipus and says “...O mighty King, we turn to you: Find us our safety…” (43-44). The choirs’ safety in Oedipus fills him with pride and importance. Oedipus’ actions and state of mind leads him to a life of high social status.
By using Oedipus’ ignorance and fate Sophocles portrays him as not entirely good nor bad.Oedipus claims respect for his citizens and addressing them about their rights. Oedipus tells his citizens, “That is your right; it will not be denied you…” (726). Through Oedipus’ respect for individuals he provides equal opportunity. Oedipus’ fate provides him with his moment of recognition. During his moment of recognition Oedipus claims "...my father’s blood, my own blood, spilled by my own hand: can you remember the unspeakable things I did there..”(1348-1350). When Oedipus realizes what he did he refers to his actions as unspeakable. Oedipus is claimed to be the pollution of the country due to corruption by Teiresias. In a moment of rage Teiresias tells Oedipus, “You, yourself (Oedipus) are the pollution to this country” (338). Oedipus, unaware of his actions, was the real reason the city was in a deep plague. Oedipus’ both good and bad actions allowed him to reach a …show more content…
Oedipus’ ignorance is compared to Tiresias’ blindness. Teiresias says this ironic statement to Oedipus, “There is, but not for you. You don't have this, since you are blind in your ears and mind and eyes” (390-391). Teiresias may be blind but Oedipus’ ignorance leads for him to be at a greater disability. Oedipus is claimed to be the pollution in this country due to Laius’ murder by Teiresias. When accused of murder Oedipus states, “If I am found guilty of treason with Teiresias then sentence me to death!” (570-580). Oedipus believes he is innocent to such an extent that he assembles his own future punishment. Oedipus is haunted by his own fate and prophecy that soon paves the way for his punishment. After Oedipus realizes he killed his father he says, “This punishment that I have laid upon myself is just. If I had eyes, I do not know how I could bear the sight of my father, when I came to the house of Death, or my mother; for I have sinned against them both” (1315-1321). Due to his fulfillment of his prophecy and the murder of King Laius, Oedipus’ punishment was brought upon himself. Due to Oedipus’ prophecy he was given at birth his fate was inevitable and lead to his ignorance and