Analysis Of Oedipus Rex

In the play, Oedipus the King, Oedipus Rex is the tragic hero who tries to defy his fate; to kill his father and marry his mother. While ruling some time over Thebes, the city encounters a plague that devestates its people. The only solution is to find the murderer of the recent, King Laius. Oedipus tries to seek the culprit in order to save the city. Throughout the play, Oedipus’s hubris keeps him from seeing the truth, which leads him to his imminent downfall. Oedipus expresses his hubris through a series of conversations with others. In one conversation with Tiresias, Oedipus at first honors his presence and seeks for his words of wisdom on who the murderer is. However, because Tiresias identifies Oedipus as the murderer of the crime, Oedipus insults and accuses him. Oedipus says: “Nothing! You, you scum of the earth, you’d enrage a heart of stone…”. Oedipus feels that his position was at risk, and so he insults and argues against the blind prophet’s claims. Another conversation is between Oedipus and Creon,who denies any plot made against Oedipus. Oedipus, blinded by the truth, talks down upon him. He accuses Creon of trying to kill him and steal his power as the king. Creon doesn’t want to carry out a King’s obligation due to its responsibilities. Oedipus, however isn’t satisfied and instead wants to be correct at his accusations. Oedipus also expresses his hubris with his speeches towards the chorus. He makes a great effort to glorify his rule and his ability to