For example, Oedipus displays these flaws through the Greek archetype of Hubris. Sophocles writes, “You pray to the gods? Let me grant your prayers” (245). Oedipus is demonstrating the overconfidence that he often displays, throughout the play. He also presents his daring self through defying the gods.
Why him in particular? Why should nature punish him so severely? Within the play, many instances bring the thought that Oedipus’s life has been predestined. A typical example is Tiresias’s statement: “It is not fate that I should be your ruin, Apollo is enough; it is his care to work this out” (Oedipus the King, lines 376-378). This statement brings into question the influence of supernatural forces within Oedipus’ life.
Fate of Hubris For thousands of years in human exploration, there has been a interminable search for knowledge. Today people look back to the simplicity of life before civilization and wonder if the knowledge that we have acquired helps or hurts our lives. Similarly, in Oedipus the King by Sophocles, Oedipus, the main character, is determined to find and punish the murderer of his wife’s late husband. Through the character’s arrogance and the use of metaphorical blindness, Sophocles displays how mysteries lead to the self-discovery of an individual. In the beginning of the play, the author portrays Oedipus as a proud and arrogant man which causes him to initiate the search for the answer of the mystery.
As the play ends Oedipus Has a huge downfall at the end of the book. Oedipus is the perfect Greek tragic hero because he begins his journey with high status his flaw emerges and experiences a crushing downfall. As the play opens Oedipus is of noble birth and shows goodness. Oedipus is of the noble name the king. When the play states “I Oedipus, your world-renowned king”(Sophocles 1).
However, the same work supports the idea that destiny can be overcome by no longer running from problems faced before them but approaching them as only one of many possibilities. Oedipus and Laius believed in the essential part of destiny as the operator that controls and decides their lives. Though, if for instance, Oedipus who was so prideful of himself to outthink fate, why did he so desperately run off from Corinth when it was revealed to him? Oedipus is King of Thebes, gaining fame for answering the riddle to kill the Sphinx that was destroying the city. As a reward he assumed place as King and married the widowed Queen, Jocasta.
Oedipus is, “destined from before his birth to kill his father and marry his mother, there’s nothing Oedipus can do about this” (Nassaar 149). Ultimately, it is also in fate of Oedipus to kill his father as firstly, the first part of the revelation was followed through making it a requirement for the second segment to be
Oedipus the King Oedipus the King, the masterpiece of Sophocles, is considered a great tragedy filled with ironies and contradictions between the characters and their personalities. Oedipus is the major character in the story who tries to find out the murderer of Laios who was the king of Thebes. By the time he struggles to solve the problem he is unaware that he is going to find out his own biological father and going to be claimed as the murderer. Actually, this is the main question in this play; how is it possible for Oedipus not to know himself? Is there a really chance that he could not be guilty and be totally innocent?
Odysseus told Polyphemus his name only to gloat and make fun of the cyclops for being so stupid. Odysseus also listened to the siren song just so he could tell people that he had done so and survived. Later in his journey as he matured he relied on his wits and repressed his irrational emotion. On the island of Phaeacia he displayed his cunning ability and proved he has learned from his experiences. “By god, I’d rather slave on earth for another man…”- Book 11, Line 556 6.
Oedipus Rex, written by Sophocles is a well known Greek tragedy, that is read by millions around the world. Oedipus flaws lead to his status as a character, and as a king. His flaws also led to his downfall as the king of Thebes. Oedipus has many flaws, the major ones are how he was very arrogant, selfish, and having a very bad temper. These flaws led Oedipus to be seen as a static character.
This hubris ultimately brings about Oedipus’ fate, as his assuredness in his own infallibility causes him to recklessly attempt to prove that his judgment is correct. However, this miscalculation leads to the revelation of the prophecy, and brings about both death and grief. Oedipus’ character traits contribute not only to his own suffering, but also to the suffering of his family and his people. Additionally, these traits also perfectly align with classic tenants of an Aristotelian tragedy, making Oedipus the King a model tragic