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Oedipus The King: A Heroic Analysis

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According to Aristotle,“Tragedy is an imitation of an action that is serious, complete and of a certain magnitude; in language embellished with each kind of artistic ornament, the several kinds being found in separate parts of the play; in the form of action, not narrative; with incidents arousing pity and fear, wherewith to accomplish katharsis of such emotions…” From this it can be seen that “Oedipus the King”, is tragedy written by Sophocles which portrays king Oedipus as a heroic figure whose life was ultimately doom before it began. Scene two, which comprises of characters such as Oedipus, the leader and Tiresias is where this doom though already known by most is no longer hinted at but directly revealed. In this scene, Oedipus calls for Tiresias a well-known and beloved prophet to help him find the murderer of dead king Laius as “The truth lives inside him [and] him alone” (Sophocles 175). However, upon Tiresias’ arrival he refuses to speak on the truth as it make cause him his life but is push to anger by Oedipus and reveals all. In this scene, Sophocles uses principles of drama such as the …show more content…

This is so as he really goes in depth when exploring the themes such as wisdom and knowledge, power and determination. The theme of wisdom and knowledge in this hinted in Oedipus’ search for the truth and is sorting for Tiresias who has knowledge of such. The line “O Tiresias master of all the mysteries of our life… we are in your hands…” The theme of determination is shown through his constant asking of Tiresias to reveal the truth even after his refusal to do so. It is also here that the theme of power is portrayed in the line. “Strange response… unlawful, unfriendly too to the state that bred and reared you – you withhold the word of god.” Oedipus was saying to Tiresias that since he is the king Tiresias should obey his wishes because he can be severely

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