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Oedipus The King: A True Tragic Hero

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1. Aristotle once stated, “a man doesn’t become a hero until he can see the root of his own downfall (bisd303.org).” Oedipus epitomizes a true tragic hero in both his past and his actions, although he did not have any control regarding his fate. He had excessive pride and self-righteousness; he dares to compare himself to the gods in saying “you pray to the gods? Let me grant your prayers (33).” He is quick-tempered and spontaneous, which leads him to jump to conclusions, causing the reader to become aware of the fact that Oedipus is mortal and imperfect, henceforth with flaws. Oedipus’ error in judgment and tragic fall lead him to his downfall. His crime was due to wickedness and ignorance about his self-identity. He was not aware that Kind…show more content…
The formation of a typical Greek tragedy is determined by the chorus, which typically begins after the prologue. Many events throughout the course of the play include a choric ballad while the ending comes with the chorus’ exit song. The main goal of the chorus is to provide insight and comments on actions and events, as well as questioning characters motives or thoughts. In the first ode, the chorus narrates the horror brought about by the plague and the feeling of nervousness and anxiousness about the message from the oracle in saying, “O Prophecy of Jove, whose words are sweet, with what doom art thou sent (6).” Other odes play the role of peacemaker between Creon and Oedipus and accomplishing in getting the king to pardon Creon. When Teiresas leaves, the chorus members comment on the alarming predictions she has made while persistently supporting the king. In one of the final odes, the chorus magnifies Oedipus’ horror and pain after he raked out his eyes. They choose Oedipus as a prime example of the delicacy of life. The chorus also regards Oedipus as a father figure, “many things learn of thee (46),” meaning that his disgrace smears the whole city’s reputation. The chorus begins by supporting Oedipus, since they believe that he is the right man to fix the city’s problems, based on his past success. Due to Oedipus’ unpredictable and turbulent behavior, the chorus ultimately begins to question his motives. 3. Tiresias tells Oedipus, “But I say to you, with both of your…show more content…
Sophocles uses the chorus in order to comment on what is going on and to foreshadow events that may happen in the future. He also employs it to debate on the impact of the characters actions as well as present the central themes. At the beginning, the chorus tells the audience about the destruction brought about by the plague. By commenting on the terrors of the plague, the author is raising the stakes for Oedipus. Since the people are suffering, Oedipus must find out who killed Lauis fast. Sophocles was well-known for fusing the choruses into the play. In Oedipus Rex, the chorus continuously advises Oedipus to relax and maintain his composure, “Why, Oedipus, why stung with passionate grief hath the queen thus departed? Much I fear from this dead calm will burst a storm of woes (22).” In most ancient tragedies, the chorus simply complains, but does little to nothing to try to prevent them. In Oedipus, the chorus persuades Oedipus to not banish or execute Creon, his uncle and brother in
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