The many traits of Oedipus Rex

A detailed Summary of The many traits of Oedipus Rex

All characters in pieces of English literature portray their own character traits which makes them and the story what they are. In Sophocle's renowned play Oedipus Rex there is no exception when it comes to the main character Oedipus. From the beginning until the end Oedipus' piety, confidence, and reason are portrayed allowing everyone to see his positive side. These traits however are taken over respectively by impiety, passion and a lack of confidence. These negative traits tend to show when his pride is being threatened.

Oedipus places himself on a constant level with the gods yet for the most part he holds utmost respect for them. He not only believes this himself but also is placed close to the gods by other people such as priests and the people of Thebes. "As to the man surest in mortal ways and wisest in the way of gods." (37-38) Although he holds himself on a constant level with the Gods he does so out of respect for himself and the Gods. Only when his pride is threaten does he acknowledge himself as being better then Gods. "A gods touch, it seems enabled you to help us." (42) By this no one means any disrespect to the Gods yet they do see Oedipus as being close to them. O

you, why did I not die? Then I should never have

When Oedipus' pride is threatened, regardless of whom does it, it causes Oedipus' positive traits to be devoured by negative ones. His piety is taken over by impiety, his reason by passion, and his confidence turns around to show a lack of confidence in himself. At the point when Oedipus realizes that he may be in the wrong his pride is hurt. This causes him to turn to be the negative Oedipus. He demonstrates moments of impiety, passion, and lack of confidence in himself.

Oedipus carries so much pride in himself that when it becomes hurt or threatened he tends to think and act out of passion rather then reason. "No, I will not go on. Rage as you please."(330) Oedipus begins going against Teiresias and starts an argument, it is easy to tell who is acting out of reason or passion and it is definitely clear that Oedipus is acting out of passion. Not only is Teiresias next to the Gods, he is a man of reason and Oedipus in his right state would know not to be so rash towards him. Through Kreon expressing his views towards Oedipus and the murder, Oedipus' pride is not only hurt but also threatened. He begins acting out of passion. Although Oedipus is acting out of passion, Kreon remains reasonable, which aggravates Oedipus even more. When Oedipus is told to "Reason it out" (553) it sets him off and Kreon is left the only reasonable one.

Oedipus' pride is very high. He holds a very large amount of pride in himself and for these reasons he places himself above the gods. His impious nature is revealed from the start when he states that although he is not a God he can fulfill their duties. "Is this your prayer? It may be answered." (205) When it comes to the riddle of the Sphinx, Oedipus again places himself on a level higher then the gods. Kreon threatens Oedipus' pride by stating that he is no good and that he will soon realize this. Oedipus then simply states that he has the ability to solve the sphinx without the God's help. "I thought it out myself, no birds helped me! (385-387) Not only did he disrespect the gods, he challenged Kreon to see who is a more capable man. Although Oedipus is a very good leader, his impious nature leads him to be a lesser man. After Oedipus learns the truth he then blames the gods for following through with his fate. He almost begs an answer from them by asking then what they have done to him. (1282) The Gods see him as disrespectful. His pride and overconfidence cause

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Approximate Word count = 1680
Approximate Pages = 7 (250 words per page double spaced)

Category: English