Oedipus Essay

Critical Analysis Of Oedipus The King
Critical Analysis: Oedipus the King "Oedipus the King" is a tragic play showing a shift from the
belief of fate to freedom of choice. Therefore, Oedipus the king is a great example of those who
run from fate ends up fulfilling their fate After reading this type of tragic play "Oedipus the King"
written by Sophocles you can see that the author did a very outstanding form of presenting a tragedy
that has the characteristics of mimesis and a tragic hero. Specifically, the writer written the play
that would leave many readers to be able to relate to and have a character whom characteristics are
noble and basically good. A purpose of tragedy is "catharsis". In other words, the main reason for a
tragedy in a play is to purge an individual of...show more content...
In the end, however, Oedipus' hubris ways led to his tragic reality. He lost his wife. He lost his
eyesight. He lost his children. He lost his kingship. With all his confidence and his persistence, he
uncovered the riddles of his life and found out that he was the boy born of Laius and Jocasta who
was the subject of the prophecy. His intelligence, pride and confidence led to this discovery,
which resulted in him losing everything that he had which in the end he fulfilled his fate. The
most crucial point in the play "Oedipus the king" was the fact that Oedipus was completely
unaware that he killed his own father. He had a mission to find out who was his father's killer.
Effectively the more Oedipus was motivated and with his excessive confidence in knowing the
truth of who killed his father, the play began to unravel and starts to fit together like the pieces of
a puzzle that Oedipus was known for figuring out. The more he pushed in finding who his father
killer was the more he was towards his reality of terror. The place where three roads meet was the
place where Laius was killed and the place where Oedipus, himself had killed a man. He thought
his father was a man named Polypus, the king of Corinth yet a man had shouted out at a banquet
that he was not his father's son. He was given a apprehension of "a future great with pain, terror,
disaster...You are fated to couple with your mother, you will bring a breed of children
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Essay on Oedipus the King: The Hubris of Oedipus
"Oedipus the King" written by Sophocles, is a powerful Greek tragedy story. The protagonist,
Oedipus is a heroic mythical king who had it all. Oedipus pursues to find the true answers to his
identity and destiny, while at the same time trying to avoid fulfilling his destiny.
"Oedipus the King" was introduced around 429 B.C.E. in Athens. This was Sophocles' most
celebrated play. It is recognized by many titles, such as its Latin title "Oedipus Rex" and "Oedipus
Tyrannus." Sophocles' performed this play at the annual festival of Dionysus––a religious festival,
which celebrated Dionysus, the god of intoxication, death, and fertility. Sophocles was one of the
dramatists that reigned supreme at these festivals. Most of the...show more content...
A dramatic conflict occurs when Oedipus gets into a fight with a group of men where three roads
meet; one of those men is his father King Laius. He kills all the men except for one who flees
from the scene and then notifies the Thebians of the tragic news. Oblivious to Oedipus, the first
half of his fate (that he was trying so hard to avoid) is fulfilled. Usually crossroads signify a
decision point. If Oedipus made the choice of being civil toward the strangers and not letting his
temper get the best of him, he could have avoided his fate. Oedipus ends up in Thebes were he is
granted the honor of being the King––he solves the Sphinx's riddle which results in the city being
free from captivity. In addition, Oedipus marries his predecessor's wife, Queen Jocasta––the women
who gave birth to him. Once again Oedipus has crossed paths with his fate and is still blind to it.
Hubris is Oedipus's tragic flaw. He is now overly full of himself because: he rescued the city of
Thebes from the Sphinx, people admire him, the citizens worship him as if he were an idol, the
citizens think of him as their hero, and the Thebans have such a high esteem for him, that they
made him King. One instance that proves he is filled with overbearing pride is when he proclaims,
"I, Oedipus, a name that all men know." (8) This statement also brings about irony. It is ironic
because his name will be remembered and well–known everywhere––as a polluter, the

Thesis Statement For Oedipus
A man can only justify his actions if he regards his demeanor with deductive thinking. This man was
not Oedipus mainly because he was a fu**ing douchebag. One must know who Oedipus was to
understand the period in which it was written. This is my thesis statement. The Greeks contributed
many things to our culture, such as olives, gyros, Lenny Kravitz, anal sex, and Oedipus. Oedipus will
be remembered though out time because he suffered from Lou Gehrig's disease, and that's why he
couldn't play base ball in the first Olympic games. He will always be remembered for his journeys
and his love for the New York Yankees.
Laius and Jocasta were king and queen of Thebes, a town in Greece. They were fu**ing around
and Laius forgot to strap his sh**. One day, they had a baby boy. An oracle prophesied that the boy
would grow up and kill his father and marry his mother. Laius was like fu** that sh**, that's gay. To
thwart the prophecy, Laius and Jocasta decided to kill their baby. They fingered his butt hole and
sent him on his way. In those days, it was usual to leave an unwanted or defective baby in the
wilderness. Laius and Jocasta did this. To be extra sure, they pierced his little feet and tied them
together. (Don't worry about this detail, which makes no sense. It must have been introduced to
explain the hero's name.) A kindly shepard found the baby in a pool skimmer. He gave the baby
to a friend, who took it to Corinth, another town. (Corinth reappears in the New Testament. Under
the category of DVDA, versus 63) The king and queen of Corinth couldn't have a baby of their
own. The king had a bad case of the limp dick. So they adopted the foundling. Nobody ever told
little Oedipus that his mother was never pregnant. She aborted a kitten in a toilet in the back of a
Denver Denny's. One day, after he had grown up, a drunk mentioned his being adopted. Oedipus
killed the bum. Oedipus questioned his parents, but they denied it. Oedipus visited various oracles
to find out whether he was really adopted. All the oracles told him instead he would kill father and
marry his mother. He told them that they were dissin' him so he grabbed his 12 sided double dildo
and left town. (None of this makes much sense. Again, don't worry

Reflection Paper On Oedipus
Oedipus Response Paper
The play Oedipus, written by Sophocles is about a man and the production of Oedipus directed by
Don Taylor, unfolds a story of a man, Oedipus, who is a king of Thebes. The city of Thebes has
been threatened with the plague and in order to defeat the plague, Oedipus has to find the killer of
his predecessor, Laius. Oedipus then realizes he was the one who killed Laius, not knowing it was
him. An oracle once told Oedipus that he would kill his father and marry his mother and Oedipus
realizes his fate from the oracle came true. He then realizes his wife, Jocasta is actually his mother.
Oedipus then stabs his own eyes after realizing the horrendous things he has caused and would rather
never see the misery he created.
After viewing the production of Oedipus, I first noticed the costumes and how many people were
wearing costumes that didn't coincide with the time period. The attire of Oedipus, played by
Michael Pennington is more modern than anyone else in the film. Oedipus wears an all– white suit
that looked likes 70s attire. This differed for the play because while reading, I never pictured
anyone to be dressed in a more modern costume. Also, I noticed the verbiage of the production
was very much different than the original play and they used words that would be more
understood than what Sophocles wrote. I found this this technique to be brilliant because Taylor
used everyday language to convey what Sophocles said but more understandable and enjoyable
for the modern age. During the film, Jocasta is played by a women, which I was surprised by
since men usually played all roles. When reading the play, I didn't imagine the amount of
background music that was played during a lot of the film. The music sometimes seemed to not
make sense with what was happening in the scene. The production did clarify both the meaning
and theme of the play because even though Taylor changed some aspects of the play, he still
understood the importance of sticking with the play's theme as it is an important part of the play.
While reading the play I never thought of Thebes to be so somber and gloomy as the production
perceived it. The production of Oedipus had minor characters in greys and black, somber music, and

Oedipus Essay
Oedipus, from the play Oedipus the King, is a very unique character whose different aspects are
revealed throughout the play. As he talks with characters such as Creon, Jocasta, and Tiresias, we
get a well painted portrait of the aspects of Oedipus' character.
The ambitious aspect of Oedipus' character is revealed through his conversations with the Leader
and the Chorus. When the Leader steps up at the beginning of the play to offer suggestions, Oedipus
gladly accepts; he asks no one to "hold back" (323) and for everyone to just say whatever
information they had on the killing of Laius. Oedipus is very open–minded to the Leaders
suggestions. He promises the citizens of his town, the Chorus, that he will find the murderer of King
Laius....show more content...
When Creon asks Oedipus to listen to him, Oedipus refuses Creon and insults him in public. Even
the arrogant King Oedipus can be kind and compassionate Oedipus is very kind and compassionate to
Jocasta. He shows deep love and compassion towards her. When Jocasta asks something from
Oedipus, "she receives from [Oedipus] whatever she desires". (648). An example of this is when
Jocasta requested him to stop arguing with Creon, Oedipus complied. While Jocasta is around,
Oedipus seems to be another person; he is affectionate, instead of "haunting" as he normally is;
even to Creon, he seemed to have calmed down and accepted some of Creon's attempts at proving
his innocence. Oedipus is not as kind as he is to Jocasta to everyone, especially towards Tiresias.
Oedipus may be a foul mouthed character, but Tiresias is just as absurd. Oedipus' short temper
and stubbornness is exploited when he talks to Tiresias. Another trait that is revealed is
impatience. When Oedipus insulted Tiresias in public, questioned his power to foresee, and
accused him of lying to his fellow citizens, he replied back promptly and accused Oedipus of
"scourging his own flesh and blood"(474), and said he will be "rooted from the earth brutally."
(489). Oedipus does not take this in well and kicks Tiresias out of his castle. Even though Tiresias
wasn't trying to accuse Oedipus of murder, Oedipus insulted

Essay on Oedipus The King: Role Of Gods
"Gods can be evil sometimes." In the play "Oedipus the King", Sophocles defamed the gods'
reputation, and lowered their status by making them look harmful and evil. It is known that all gods
should be perfect and infallible, and should represent justice and equity, but with Oedipus, the gods
decided to destroy him and his family for no reason. It might be hard to believe that gods can have
humanistic traits, but in fact they do. The gods, especially Apollo, are considered evil by the reader
because they destroyed an innocent man's life and his family. They destroyed Oedipus by controlling
his fate, granting people the power of prophecy, telling Oedipus about his fate through the oracle of
Apollo, and finally afflicting the people of...show more content...
If there is any evil worse than the worst that a man can suffer–Oedipus has drawn it for his lot." (p.
98)
Oedipus is ashamed of himself and unsatisfied with his situation, even though it is not his fault. The
gods wouldn't have made the prophecies come true without the help of the oracle, which delivered
the prophecies to Oedipus' parents. It is obvious that the gods were planning to this fate before
Oedipus' birth, because through the oracle, they announced the two prophecies while Jocasta was
pregnant. Above that, the gods didn't mention Oedipus' blindness in their prophecies; but instead,
they mentioned only Oedipus' shameful crimes that involved both the father and the mother. The
purpose of this was to make both parents agree to kill their child, for Laius didn't want to be
murdered by his son, and Jocasta didn't want to marry her son. This fear of terrible destiny led the
parents to kill their child. On the other hand, if Laius and Jocasta hadn't known about the prophecies,
they would've kept the child, and thus he would know his parents, which makes it impossible for the
prophecies to come true.
One major aspect that caused the destruction of Oedipus and his family is Apollo's oracle at Delphi.
When Apollo's oracle told Oedipus about the two prophecies, Oedipus tried to avoid them by
moving to another city, and walked to meet his fate in Thebes. This shows Apollo's advantage

Oedipus Essay
This analysis of Oedipus's character shows how Oedipus, the protagonist and the antagonist against
himself, dealt with unfortunate situations which sealed his fate. Oedipus was a strange round
character that was really interesting and mysterious. Oedipus's life was a good example of a true
Greek tragedy; he worked himself up to be a great king and ultimately in the end he died with only
his perception on life. Oedipus was once a man of power who falls impoverished. He goes from
having much respect in his great position to being impure, blind, and expelled from the land that he
once ruled. At the beginning of Oedipus the King, Oedipus's wisdom and actions as a king are very
effective. To his subjects he is respected and very well...show more content...
His pride in himself is even greater than what the people propose it to be. However, Oedipus pride
can be backed up by the fact that he did save the city from disaster while virtually becoming king
almost immediately after his knowledge was known. Oedipus seems to use his pride to embellish
his power. "Here I am myself– / you all know me, the world knows my fame: / I am Oedipus"
(Oedipus the King, 7–9). Unfortunately Oedipus's initial attribute of pride and confidence soon
dwindled throughout the play. From the time that Oedipus's fate comes into action, when he hears
the perception of Tiresias, Oedipus is in due course in losing his fulsome nature. We see the round
nature of Oedipus go a full circle throughout the play; first he is flattering of himself and
self–governing, yet later we see him as impoverished and dependent on others. Oedipus's fate
seems to always win even though he tries tirelessly to beat it. His doesn't allow him to lose due to
his cockiness, but in the closing stages the story seems to show that Oedipus is starting to accept
the fact that he will never win. Towards the conclusion of the play when Oedipus gives his trust to
Theseus over his fortune giving burial he seems to find a peace again even though his life is still
not impressive. Oedipus's reflection towards the end of the play can be summed up by Jocasta's
statement, "Fear? What should a man fear? It's all chance, chance rules our lives. Not a man on earth

Is Oedipus Guilty Essay
In the book Oedipus the King by Sophocles, there are many controversies on whether Oedipus is
guilty of his actions or innocent. Oedipus is a guilty man and his action proved so in the play.
Oedipus should be held liable for his crimes of patricide (killing his father) and marrying and having
a sexual relationship his mother. Oedipus knew nothing about the past of Thebes however, what
was done cannot be taken back. His actions were wrong because incest is unethical, and murdering
someone is a crime. He guilty because guilt lies in the act of doing, not in intention. In addition to
the prophecy, Oedipus is also guilty of hubris because he displayed excessive pride. The choice was
his, and this accounts for some of his guilt. Oedipus is...show more content...
Oedipus killed a person that just so happens to be his father and that makes him guilty. "Crimes
worse than deadly done against them both", says Oedipus, as he realizes the extent of his actions.
He knew what he has done was way out of his control even though he fought hard to avoid his fate.
Oedipus knew wrong was wrong, agreeing that his actions were indeed a crime.
Oedipus did not know that his mother was going to be his wife. He was told from when he was
only the prince of Corinth that he will end up sleeping with his mother. During the investigation of
King Laius, the blind prophet is providing a detailed crime scene and interviewing the only
eyewitness to his murder. In curiosity, Oedipus asks about who his biological parents are so he can
finally know the truth and settle the rumors. The Theban Shepherd confirms that his parents are in
fact Laius and Jocasta. Oedipus and Jocasta have not seen each other since the day he was born.
Many years ago, she gave her three–day–old infant to her servant to be killed because she knew
about the prophecy. Behind her back, the servant gives Oedipus to a childless royal couple living
their separate lives without knowing each other. Jocasta tried to change their destiny, but their fate
was already chosen for them. Regardless of Oedipus knowing that his wife was his mother, he still
committed incest. "But now all god–deserted, born in sins, in incest joined with her who gave

Oedipus the King: The Innocence of Oedipus Essay
Sophocles' Oedipus Rex Is Innocent
Because Oedipus knows nothing about the past of Thebes, he is not an assassin. Oedipus
committed murder but unknowingly of who King Laius was. Oedipus' honor was his claim against
the murder. Had it been the other way around and Oedipus had lost the battle, King Laius' alibi
would have also been for reasons of honor: for reasons of royalty. Oedipus was royalty and knew it
as well did King Laius. The main idea behind Oedipus' innocence is this "royalty." Regardless of
either of their class standings a fight occurred and the one to start had been King Laius? men, or
group, the fact that they lost is not the fault of Oedipus. In other words, King Laius and his men
wanted to discipline Oedipus for not...show more content...
murder. He tells Creon "you will find me a firm ally, and together we shall exact vengeance for
our land and for the god?And with the help of God, we shall find success ? or ruin" (5) He knew
what his duty was and that was what he wanted to follow. He needed to save thousands of people
and Oedipus would go to any means to save them. This is an innocent person and a trustworthy
King. "My words are uttered as a stranger to the act, a stranger to its tale"(7). He tells us that he
cannot solve the "riddle the very skill that proved him great" (11). He cannot do it alone. Why is
this? If he is so guilty of this crime and he is the "murderer that he seeks" then why does he go on
with the search? (10). The reason is that he does not know that he has caused the grief for his
people. He does not know that he is the murderer. "Ask what you wish. I am not the murderer.", is
what he uttered to Creon because he believed that he was not the murderer (14). The fault behind
Oedipus? fate lies partly on Apollo and on the prophecy that he was told. Had he been blind to
that prophecy he would have remained in Corinth and ruled as a true ruler. He would not have wed
his mother nor murdered his father. But why do these things happen to Oedipus? Why when he
tries to be the best does he get the worst? His fate led him there. He was doomed to follow the
prophecy at

Oedipus The King
Many events that lead to the tragedy of Oedipus Rex proved that his life was troubling defined by
Aristotle. Oedipus high ranking birth lead him to a eventful life because of what his parents
decision was at birth. "An Oracle came to laius one fine day and it declared that down at the hands
of a son, our son, to be born of our own flesh and blood" (Aristotle 201). This oracle was the telling
of this whole family's future and that it was going to lead them to some sticky situations. Oedipus
found out that someone in that kingdom killed laius and he wanted him dead so when he hears the
story he does not want to believe it. "My son he wasn't three days old and the boys father fastened
his ankles, had a henchman fling him away on a barren, trackless...show more content...
"But Laius so the report goes at least, was killed by strangers, thieves, at a place where three roads
meet..." (Aristotle 201). Jocasta's side of the story of what she heard from the shepherd that was
there that day he saw Oedipus kill his dad Laius. "You are fated to couple with your mother, you
will bring a breadth of children into the light no man can bear to see–you will kill your father, the
one who gave you life" (Aristotle 205). This quote was what Oedipus heard from Apollo and that
this lead him to filling the prophecy for his family. Due to the fact of Oedipus ignorance that has
caused him to be his biggest downfall. "Enough! Such filth from him? Insufferable–what, still alive?
Get–out–faster, back where you came from–Vanish!" (Aristotle 183). He does not want to believe
what Teiresias says and explain to him that he had children with his mom. "That day you learn the
truth about your marriage the wedding–march that sang you into your halls, the lusty voyage home
to the fatal harbor!" (Aristotle 183). Tiresias is desperately trying to explain to Oedipus what he had
done and he is not listening or taking his information to

How Does Oedipus Affect Others
Most people say that life is not complicated that we make it complicated. However, to live life at its
fullest sometimes it is necessary to avoid attachment or to develop feelings towards others. But how
cruel or meaningless would our existence be if we neither love nor be loved by anybody? Moreover,
what if we indirectly hurt the people that mean something to us without our acknowledgment? Well,
Oedipus, a cursed baby, suffers in life the worst pain that ahuman being could ever experience. He
hurts severely the people that mean the most to him. Will he be able to overcome and deal with
the havoc of his actions or will he be dragged to dig his own grave? Oedipus was brought into this
world out of a beautiful mistake, he is the

Oedipous Rex vs. the Odyssey Essay
Heroism and Hell
Oedipus and Odysseus are two of many widely recognized characters known for their outstanding,
and, at times, tragic stories. The Odyssey, by Homer, is an Epic poem about the great journey of
Odysseus and his perilous journey home to Ithaca. Oedipus the King, by Sophocles, is a Greek play
about Oedipus' self–discovery and fulfillment of a prophecy in which he hopes to avoid. While the
stories share many similarities and qualities, they also reveal significant differences in their journeys
and outcome. Oedipus and Odysseus share many similarities; they are both respected leaders and
known for great triumphs. Throughout the story of Oedipus, we learn that he is a great king of
Thebes. He has promised the...show more content...
Similarly, Odysseus begins his tale explaining how his journey is to return home. Having finished
fighting in the Trojan war he begins journeying home when he is held captive by Calypso, a nymph
for a number of years. Odysseus faces many obstacles and problems trying to reach Ithaca, "...the
voyage fraught with hardship...homeward bound from Troy..." (ll 43–44, p357). Not only was he
captured by Calypso, but he face troubles with the Lotus–eaters, the Sirens, the cyclops and much
more. Coupled with the constant setbacks, Odysseus must also deal with suitors that have taken
over his palace. Oedipus and Odysseus are both faced with large underlying conflict in addition to
the significant presence and influence of the Greek Gods. The Greek Gods have a large influence
in both the stories of Oedipus the King and The Odyssey. At the beginning of Oedipus' journey, the
god Apollo has brought a curse upon Thebes and wants it rid of Laius' murderer, "what I heard,
from the God King Phoebus in plain words commanded us to drive out a pollution from our land" (ll
108–109, p 621). Oedipus and the citizens of Thebes are highly concerned with the wrath of the
Gods. Odysseus shares similar concerns. Odysseus articulates every obstacle of his journey– each
one with a reference or direct influence of a god "What pains– the gods have given me my share" (ll
16, p 37) . When Odysseus blinds

The Pride of Oedipus the King Essay
The Pride of Oedipus the King
Oedipus the King is perhaps one of the most famous and influential of Sophocles' plays. It is a
tragic play which focuses on the discovery by Oedipus that he has killed his father and married his
mother. On the surface of this drama there is, without a doubt, a tone of disillusionment.
Throughout the play we find that Oedipus, the protagonist of this Greek tragedy, is tested by life in a
number of ways. To those in Athens who watched the performance ofOedipus the King, Oedipus
appeared to be the embodiment of a perfect Athenian. He is self–confident, intelligent, and
strong–willed. Ironically, these are the very traits which bring about his tragic discovery. He is
portrayed as a character of...show more content...
Oedipus' pride derives from his own heroic qualities and, ironically, ruins him.
A hero prizes above all else his honor and the excellence of his life. When his honor is at stake, all
other considerations become irrelevant. A hero values strength and skill, courage and determination,
for these attributes enable the person who possesses them to achieve glory and honor, both in his
lifetime and after he dies. Oedipus was certainly a hero who was exceptionally intelligent though one
can argue that killing four men single–handedly, on his way to Delphi, more than qualified him as a
physical force of reckoning.
He obviously knew his heroic status when he greeted the citizens of Thebes before the palace doors
saying, "I thought it wrong, my children, to hear the truth / from others, messengers. Here I am
myself– / you all know me, the world knows of my fame: / I am Oedipus." (ll. 6–9) In this such
passage, Oedipus proves that he is guilty of hubris, being too sure of himself, too confident in his
own powers, and a little under mindful of the gods.
If we examine his quest for identity, it becomes quite apparent that the sequence of events are quite
coincidental. First, he summons Tiresias to name the killer, whom Oedipus does not at the time
believe to be himself. Second, the tragic hero emerges as anything but a

Oedipus Rex by Sophocles Essay
Oedipus Rex by Sophocles
In Sophocles' "Oedipus the King" which is a tragic play, which discusses the tragic discovery that
Oedipus has killed his father and married his mother. Oedipus is the embodiment of the perfect
Athenian. He is self–confident, intelligent, and strong willed. Ironically these are the very traits
which bring about his tragic discovery. Oedipus gained the rule of Thebes by answering the riddle of
The Sphinx. Sophocles used the riddle of The Sphinx as a metaphor for the 3 phases of Oedipus'
life and to further characterized him as a tragic hero.
The Sphinx posed the following riddle to all who came to obtain the rule over Thebes: "What is it
that walks on 4 feet and 2 feet and 3 feet and has only one voice,...show more content...
By becoming king of Thebes he marries Jocasta the Queen of Thebes and his own mother. Many
years later after bearing children with Jocasta a plague kills many of the inhabitants of Thebes.
Oedipus is told by the gods to find the killer of Laius. He is very diligent in the inquiry and finally
comes to the horrible truth that he himself is the murderer. Jocasta kills herself at the horrible
realization that she has laid with her son. Oedipus puts out his eyes, at which time he finally sees
the truth. This fulfills the final part of the Sphinx's riddle for Oedipus will have to walk with a
cane for the rest of his life because of his blindness. This will give him the walk on 3, which man
walks with at the end of his years.
The Sphinx's riddle was used by Sophocles to characterize Oedipus as a tragic man and as a
parallel to his life. The riddle describes the 3 stages, which Oedipus went through in his life. Also in
answering the riddle Oedipus inevitable brought about his own tragic ending by a horrible discovery.
The statement that Joseph Campbell makes that defines a hero as "someone who has given his or
her life to something bigger than oneself," I believe very much that this applies to the story of
Oedipus the King. He alone had to realize a life lesson and by doing so hurt himself and the ones he
had loved. Oedipus in his journey showed others that you must not physically open your eyes up, but
as well open them in a fourth

Character Traits of Oedipus in 'Oedipus the King'
Through history, everyone is trying to rise to the top. However, the ones at the top are not always
the most suitable. This becomes evident in Sophocles' Oedipus Rex, where Oedipus becomes the
ruler of Thebes after defeating the Sphinx. Throughout the story, Oedipus fails to meet the
characteristics of a good leader, including: humbleness, selflessness and patience.
Humbleness is a trait that Oedipus lacks. Oedipus does not possess an ounce of humility in him
and is very unaware of his surroundings, causing him to make scenes. This is displayed in the play
when Tiresias says to Oedipus, "You yourself are the pollution of this country" (Sophocles 19).
Tiresias is hinting at the fact that Oedipus is the actual killer of the King. Shortly after this has been
said, Oedipus bursts into rage, claiming that Tiresias and Creon were conspiring to overthrow him.
By making a scene, he is admitting that he cannot be humble and shows his arrogant side. If Oedipus
would have continued to rule, he would be a king without any subjects since he would distance
himself from those closest to him.
Another trait that Oedipus fails to show is selflessness. Oedipus does not show compassion and
empathy to his subjects nor does he put them before himself. When presented with the fact that his
people were suffering at the hands of a plague, Oedipus remarks, All that you longed for in your
coming here. I know that you are deathly sick; and yet,
Sick as you are, not one is as sick as I.
Each of you

Analysis of Oedipus the King Essays
The tale of Oedipus and his prophecy has intrigued not only the citizens of Greece in the ancient
times, but also people all over the world for several generations. Most notable about the play was its
peculiar structure, causing the audience to think analytically about the outcomes of Oedipus' actions
and how it compares with Aristotle's beliefs. Another way that the people have examined the drama
is by looking at the paradoxes (such as the confrontation of Tiresias and Oedipus), symbols (such as
the Sphinx), and morals that has affected their perceptions by the end of the play. Nonetheless, the
most important aspect is how relevant the story is and how it has influenced modern ideas like that
of Freud and other people of today. As...show more content...
Oedipus displayed his faulty character throughout the play by showing how he is filled with
ill–temper and pride, especially during his confrontation with Apollo's blind prophet, Tiresias. He
allowed his own hubris to take over him, eventually leading to his disaster at the end of the story.
Now, some critics may argue that Oedipus did not actually go through a downfall in the play, but
when looking back at the definition of a tragic hero, it can be seen that there are evidence to
prove that Oedipus is a tragic hero. For Aristotle, a tragic hero has a hamartia (or tragic flaw) that
leads to his own downfall, and so there is no argue that Oedipus undergoes a downfall in the play.
But was he to be blamed for the circumstances he encountered in his life? The answer could go
either way. As argued by Jocasta, "It's all chance/ chance rules our lives. Not a man on earth/ can
see a day ahead...Better to live at random, best we can" (Oedipus the King, 1068–1071). Drawing
from the quotation about chances, Oedipus might have ended up in his situation not because of a
future prediction, but rather as a result of coincidence. Moreover, what was important to
acknowledge about Jocasta's statement is that she said how it is better to live the "best we can",
which was something that Oedipus ended up ignoring. Even though he knows that the truth would
ruin him, he

There are many facets of personality of a minor character that authors may utilize to supply contrast
to the main character of their work. Some of these contrasts are extremely noticeable and some are
not. One such facet is with the use of a neutral character; to not only showcase the main character's
flaws, but so not to detract from the moral of the story. Creon, from the play "Oedipus the King" by
Sophocles is used for both of these reasons. Sophocles wished to show that one cannot escape fate,
yet did not want to cloud this issue with a possible coupe against his main character Oedipus. He
also showed how, at times one character can act completely irrational, while one remains calm in the
face of serious accusations.
Creon is the...show more content...
Creon in an astonishing display of "sound common sense and executive ability" (Peterkin 265),
offered marriage to Iocasta, as well as the position of king, to anyone who could solve this riddle
and free the country of the suffering inflicted by the Sphinx. Oedipus bested the Sphinx, and
claimed the kingdom and his spouse. Although Creon could have remained in power, he proved to
be a man of his word. He relinquished the dominant authority in Thebes to Oedipus and seemed to
"have ac–cepted the situation with good grace" (Peterkin 265). After a long established rule as king,
a plague afflicted the land. Over the years, Oedipus had "delegated much of his authority, in
complete reliance on his efficiency and dependa–bility" (Peterkin 265) to Creon. In trying to relieve
his subjects suffering, Oedipus sends his valued right hand man, Creon, to consult the oracle.
Oedipus was hoping to receive some revelation as to why his kingdom was suffering so. Upon his
return, Creon prudently wanted to speak privately with Oedipus. During this exchange, Creon is
presented as a cautious, yet matter–of–fact kind of person. The King would not hear of a private
conversation as he wanted everything to be in the public's eye, so as not to hide the truth. Creon
reveals, as tactfully as possible, that the Gods were angry that King Laios murder went unpunished.
This is what was causing the plague to besiege

Oedipus The King Archetype
Oedipus Rex is one of three plays created by tragedian Sophocles. The story opens with a plague,
threatening the lives of many in the city of Thebes, Oedipus' kingdom. Oedipus, the next heir to the
throne, addresses this to the people, Creon, also states the suffering crops, As Oedipus says that he is
sick too, this shows his hubris. Oedipus is one of Sophocles' most notable characters due to the fact
that he depicts the "tragic hero" archetype. Oedipus' "hubris" or pride was the cause of his own
undoing, that was part of his initial character. The forces of change happen whenever Oedipus'
situation gets even worse throughout the play, and the character's change occurs through the end.
King Oedipus has the qualities of a good character for...show more content...
When Oedipus reached the end of his "quest" for the truth, he is appalled, overwhelmed by the
revelations, in addition he questions himself, saying, "Where do I go? How can the wings of air
sweep up my voice? Oh my destiny, how far have you sprung now!"(Sophocles–65). Oedipus also
became aware of his mistakes and accepting is shame taking in the fact that his wife/mother killed
himself and he willingly took his own eyes out in response to the revelations. In addition, he was
also grateful and admitting to his own flaws, in the exodus he said "By all the gods, since you are
acting now so differently from what I would expect and have come here to treat me graciously, the
very worst of men, do what I ask. I will speak for your own element, not mine" (Sophocles–69), and
yet he still sounded proud at that moment. As he laments his ignorance, he states that the God of
Plagues, Apollo was the cause of all of this. Oedipus finally respects the power of fate and the
gods, he understood and knew what he was doing when he said "Cast me out quickly as you can,
away from Thebes, to a place where no one, no living human being, will cross my path"
(Sophocles–70), this is going to a point where Oedipus is seeking atonement, seeking for exile.
accepting what is coming to

Sigmund Freud's Oedipus Complex Essay
Oedipus Complex "It is the fate of all of us, perhaps, to direct our first sexual impulse towards our
mother and our first hatred and our first murderous wish against our father." – Sigmund Freud(Clark,
122) The Oedipus conflict or complex is a concept developed by Sigmund Freud to explain the
origin of certain psychological disorders in childhood. It is defined as a child's unconscious desire
for the exclusive love of the parent of the opposite sex. This desire includes jealousy toward the
parent of the same sex and the unconscious wish for that parent's death. Horney states that it is not a
"biologically given phenomenon" but rather a response to the "provocation's" of the outside
world.(Horney) The "Oedipus Complex" was started...show more content...
Oedipus, outraged at the accusation, denounces it as a plot of Creon to gain the throne. Jocasta
appears just in time to avoid a battle between the two men. Seers, she assures Oedipus, are not
infallible. To prove her point she cites the old prophecy that her son should kill his father and
have children by his mother. She prevented its fulfillment, she confesses, by abandoning their
infant son in the mountains. As for Laius, he had been killed by robber's years later at the
junction of three roads on the route to Delphi. This information makes Oedipus uneasy. He recalls
having killed a man answering Laius' description at this very spot when he was fleeing from his
home in Corinth to avoid fulfillment of a similar prophecy. An aged messenger arrives from
Corinth, at this point, to announce the death of King Polybus, supposed father of Oedipus, and the
election of Oedipus as king in his stead. On account of the old prophecy Oedipus refuses to return
to Corinth until his mother, too, is dead. To calm his fears the messenger assures him that he is not
the blood son of Polybus and Merope, but a foundling from the house of Laius deserted in the
mountains. This statement is confirmed by the old shepherd whom Jocasta had charged with the
task of exposing her babe. Thus the ancient prophecy has been fulfilled in each
dreadful detail. Jocasta in her horror hangs herself and Oedipus stabs out his eyes. Then he imposes
on himself the

Oedipus The King Irony
The key to having a perfect Greek tragedy is to make it as realistic as possible which is exactly
what Sophocles does in Oedipus Rex. He takes Oedipus who is better than anyone else which is
proven through his intelligence by the fact he was the only one who answered the Sphinx's riddle
correctly making him a hero to the people of Thebes. Oedipus is also imperfect by the fact he cannot
make good judgments. "Creon is no threat. You weave your own doom. " (Sophocles 20), when
Tiresias speaks to Oedipus about his doom he defends himself by saying, "Wealth, power, craft of
statesmanship! Kingly position, everywhere admired! What savage envy is stored up against these,"
(Sophocles 20). He ignores the truths told to him and what Tiresias tells him about the prophecy.
...show more content...
The story is all about the efforts Oedipus takes to change his prophecy: Iocaste and Laios getting
rid of Oedipus as an infant and Oedipus leaving Corinth. No matter what happens the prophecy
comes true and tragedy strikes the stubborn King. Iocaste gets rid of Oedipus as an infant only to
have him come back to Thebes healthy, strong, and married to her. Oedipus's decision to leave
Corinth only leads him to meet his biological parents and thus completing his fate said by the
oracle. Oedipus and Iocaste celebrate the oracle being wrong about Oedipus's fate until the
messenger comes and they go on a search for the real truth that is later confirming that the oracles
were correct. Every time someone tries to change their fate the oracles provide, the audience has the
knowledge of knowing that every effort is pointless creating the dramatic irony in Oedipus

Oedipus Essay

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