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Oedipus The King Identity Analysis

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Three Ways to Deal with Destruction of Identities May Tun Prompt: 2. How is physical suffering related to one’s identity? Use the plays of Sophocles to make your argument. True identity is defined in the three texts, Oedipus The King, Aias, and Philoktetes, as the heritage and parentage of the character, while the social identity is defined the uniqueness of a character such as strength and skills, and the representation of that character to other people. The purpose and goal can also construct his social identity. However, one can mistake his social identity as his true identity, and social identity one spends his life to build can fall apart within a second by any illness, action, or awareness who they actually are. Aias, Oedipus, and Philoktetes’ carelessness in constructing their identity by their reputation and quality, which are ever changing factors, lead their individualities to shatter and change. When Aias, Philoktetes, and Oedipus are forced to undergo destruction or alteration of their identities, their focus shifts to physical …show more content…

However, instead of killing them, Athena directs his war rage on animals. After committing such acts, the words go around the camps, “[Aias] with his flashing sword / slaughtered the unsorted war spoils of the Greeks /… They’re getting a belly laugh making a mockery of [him].” (Aias. 201-202. 207-208.) With those words, Aias loses his recognition as a leader and warrior. Aias ultimately destroys the honor of his army when he demolishes the war spoils, which are owned by everyone. Moreover, he is seen as a traitor in the eyes of Agamemnon and Menelaos because of his attempt kill the commanders of the army. Under those circumstances, Aias loses his identity as great defender of the army, and his loss of his reputation triggers mental devastation for

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