Theme Of Tragedy In Oedipus The King

In Sophocles’s, “Oedipus the King”, the thematic genre of tragedy is exhibited because, as Aristotle puts it, tragedy is not of character, but of action. “Oedipus the King,” tells the tale of a man, made king, named Oedipus who, while attempting to outrun his fate by running from Corinth, saves Thebes from the curse of the Sphinx and is named hero and king. The dramatic irony depicted is Oedipus’s attempt to escape his fate leading him which ____. Oedipus has killed his father, former King Laius of Thebes, and married his mother. As a savior, Oedipus is a hero to Thebes, he is also a Tragic Hero to the Greeks as Aristotle explains. First, Oedipus’s downfall is of his own fault, he brought it upon himself. Additionally, Oedipus’s flaws contributed

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. He believes he has the power to grant prayers. This becomes a flaw to Oedipus because he now believes he has outrun his fate when in reality he already fulfilled his fate. Oedipus is also impulsive, short-tempered, and tends to jump to conclusions. He becomes enraged when Tiresias refuses to share the truth and calls him “scum of the earth” (245). He irrationally accuses not only Tiresias, but also Creon, his uncle, and brother in law. Oedipus also displays paranoia and becomes hungry for power. Oedipus exclaims, “ Offspring of endless Night, thou hast no power O'er me or any man who sees the sun”(374). Oedipus is explaining to Tiresias that he has the power. Tiresias has nothing to say, but a simple suggestion. Tiresias suggests that earthly power is irrelevant in the face of divine influence. Oedipus often showcases his tragic flaws through hubris, his short-temper, and paranoia to express the suffering he

For example, Oedipus is a skilled high standing social class. This high class is his kingship. When the citizens grieve about the plague, he has already sent “Creon, [his] wife’s own brother to Delphi” (81) for advice. This proves that Oedipus is prosperous due to the fact that he is determined to end the plague for his people and find Laius's murderer which, in the end, are accomplished. Moreover, because Oedipus is indeed Jocasta’s son he is high born. The shepherd dramatically, and hesitantly reveals to Oedipus, “They say it was … actually his own. But the Queen inside could probably explain” (66). In this quote, Oedipus is told by the shepherd that as an infant, Oedipus was given away to be killed as an order from his own parents. An ironic point in this explanation is the fact that Oedipus was meant to die on the mounts of Cithaeron. Because Cithaeron is a mountain, had Oedipus died as an infant, he would have died high born both figuratively and literally. Finally, Oedipus is a beloved king. Oedipus calls out to his people saying, “Oh my children” (1). When Oedipus proclaims to his people this way he resembles a compassionate and caring leader. He is trustworthy as he, humbly, states in this quote, “You can trust me. I am ready to help” (13). He is also highly praised and loved. Oedipus is a king who is intellectual and moral and is high born and well loved by his people which makes his