Oedipus Rex - tragic
Through the character of Oedipus, Sophocles shows the futility and consequences of defying the divine order. Oedipus served Thebes as a great ruler, loved by his subjects; but it is his one tragic flaw, hubris, which dooms his existence, regardless of the character attributes that make him such a beloved king. Because of this and through examples, it can be shown that Oedipus brings himself to ruin perhaps of judgment errors caused by weakness in character. From the opening dialogue we sense the character of Oedipus. When confronted by his subjects praying for relief of the plague he reacts kingly and graciously, saying. "You may count on me; I am ready to do anything to help." (Page 2). He obviously cares for the people in his kingdom, but he goes on to say "I would be insensitive to pain, if I felt no pity for my people seated here." (Page 2). The pity he feels is rooted not only in his love and sympathy, but his arrogance as well. Perhaps this attitude is duly justified, for Oedipus had solved the Sphinx's riddle, an apparently heroic feat, and was seen to be "world-famous Oedipus", but
After all punishment imposed by the gods, Jocasta takes her life in a relatively painless manner; however, Oedipus continues suffering by blinding himself as self-induced punishment. It is through Oedipus debilitated state that Sophocles reveals the moral of the story, as he (Oedipus) cries, "But his command was clear, every word of it . . ." (Page 102) the leader that he had become still possessed the hubristic tendencies which doomed him from the time he fled Corinth. Despite Oedipus' arrogance, he is a good man in general, yet Sophocles illustrates the strict obedience required by the gods and the code of ethics of the Greek society. The Chorus sings, "Laws that stand above have been established . . . The man who goes his way Overbearing in word and deed, Who fears no justice, Honors no temples of the gods - May an evil destiny seize him And punish his ill-starred pride." (Pages 60-61). Regardless of any punishment Oedipus has previously received from the gods, he is still ultimately responsible for each of his offenses, singularly. Creon then suggests Sophocles' moral by stating " . .
Some common words found in the essay are:
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Approximate Word count = 745
Approximate Pages = 3 (250 words per page double spaced)
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