Oedipus the King as a Tragedy Essay - 539 Words

Many things can describe a tragedy. However, according to definition of a tragedy by Aristotle, there are only five. The play has to have a tragic hero, preferably of noble stature. Second, the tragic hero must have a tragic flaw. Because of that flaw, the hero falls from either power or death. Due to the fall, the tragic hero discovers something. Finally, there must be catharsis in the minds of the audience. Oedipus Rex qualifies as a tragedy. It fits all the characteristics as defined by Aristotle. The tragic hero of a play is a man of some social standing and personal reputation, but sufficiently like ourselves in terms of his weaknesses that we feel fear and pity when a tragic flaw, rather than an associate, causes his†¦show more content†¦Oedipus makes decisions publicly for all to hear, making reconsideration difficult for a proud person such as himself. When Creon returns with information from the oracle concerning the ills of Thebes and wishes to tell Oedipu s privately, as we learn later that it could be bad news for Oedipus. Oedipus tells Creon, Let them all hear it. It is for them I suffer, more than for myself. This was the first time that Oedipus is confronted with the idea that he might have fulfilled the prophecy. He is the one that is named as the killer of Laius. Oedipus directs any inhabitant of Thebes that know of any facts of Laius murder to come forward without fear of reprisal, concurrently forbidding the withholding of information. Oedipus reaffirms his stand to avenge the murdered king promising the consequences do not diminish because of ones position: And as for me, this curse applies no less If it should turn out that the culprit is my guest here, Sharing my hearth. Oedipus has said all of this before knowing any evidence. If he had just one clue that he could have been the unwitting culprit, would he have acted differently? As a strongly principled man, Oedipus, like Socrates when faced with compromising hi s principles, chooses death over compromise. When Oedipus realizes he may in fact be the culprit, he says You are aware, I hope, that what you say means death for me, or exile at the least. Oedipuss quickness to take a position causes him toShow MoreRelatedThe Tragedy Of Oedipus The King977 Words   |  4 PagesThe Greek drama â€Å"Oedipus The King† evidently leads to the unveiling of a tragedy. Oedipus, the protagonist of the play uncovers his tragic birth story and the curse he had been baring his whole life. Oedipus is notorious for his personal insight that helped him defeat Sphinx, which lead him to becoming the king of Thebes. He is admired by the people of Thebes and is considered to be a mature, inelegant and a rational leader. From his birth, his story began with a prophecy that Oedipus would grow upRead MoreThe Tragedy Of Oedipus Oedipus The King 1974 Words   |  8 Pages1/26/16 Thesis: Despite the fact that Oedipus sentenced himself to be exiled and put other people to shame, Oedipus should have pursued the truth about his destructive past regardless. He had to fulfill his duty as king to save his people from the plague, and he ultimately had no choice but to accept his own fate. Sub-claim- Oedipus should not have pursued the truth ( PART OF INTRO )Destructive past ( it was fate) Prophecy Killed man Events out of control Oedipus should not have put other peopleRead MoreThe Tragedy Of Oedipus The King1365 Words   |  6 PagesAlthough Sophocles’ Oedipus the King seems to be a play merely focused on the tragedy that is the tale of Oedipus, it is actually a commentary on defying the gods for the reason that one is blindly believing in supernatural entities and allowing those entities to govern one’s fate. The tragedy of Oedipus the King revolves around a king’s downfall as he tries to save his people from utter destruction. His curiosity and drive to save his city brings him to the realization that not only has his entireRead MoreThe Tragedy Of Sophocles Oedipus The King )1044 Words   |  5 PagesThe Forgotten Ones (Describe the Significance of the Chorus in Sophocles’ Oedipus the King) Oedipus the King is a famous play written by the renowned author Sophocles and first acted out back in 429 BC. It is the second of three plays written by Sophocles that dealt with Oedipus; the first one being Oedipus at Colonus and the last one being Antigone. This play relates the story of Oedipus, a man who becomes King of Thebes while unwittingly fulfilling an old prophecy that said that he would killRead MoreOedipus The King : A Classical Tragedy1272 Words   |  6 PagesSophocles’ Oedipus the King is a classical tragedy that derives its meaning through the experiences of its tragic hero, Oedipus. Throughout the play, the eminent characteristic of Oedipus is his ignorance of the truth that inevitably leads to his downfall. This ignorance of truth is a characteristic found within the Aristotelian definition of a tragedy. Tragedy, as defined by Aristotle in his Poetics, are imitations of actions and are not narrative. This means that tragedies are often demonstratedRead Mo reWhat Is Oedipus The King As A Tragedy1430 Words   |  6 PagesWhile reading the plot of Oedipus the King and learning of Oedipus causing the death of both of his parents, you would consider that a pretty tragic event. But, if you ask Aristotle he may not fully agree with you. In Poetics, Aristotle goes into detail on what creates a true tragedy and what does not. In many ways, the work of literature, Oedipus the King, written by Sophocles is a good tragedy, but there are just a few things that limit it from being a complete tragic work. 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Oedipus demonstrates several admirable qualities that are portrayed throughout Oedipus the King by Sophocles. Compassion, diligence, and justness are three qualities that contribute to the internal struggles that Oedipus faces resulting in hisRead MoreOedipus The King : A Master Of Tragedy889 Words   |  4 PagesSophocles were well-known as a master of tragedy. Sophocles was born at Colonus, not far from Athens. Sophocles wrote over 100 different dramatic stories. â€Å"Oedipus the King† is one of his great stories that has a mix of heroics to it and yet, we feel sorry for Oedipus and his fate that was handed to him. We ask ourselves after reading â€Å"Oedipus the King† who was this man and why did he think he could run from his destiny of fate. Was Oedipus responsible for his final fate and could he have changedRead MoreOedipus The King Tragedy Analysis1101 Words   |  5 Pages Oedipus the King as a Tragedy Oedipus Rex is a play that makes one clench their heart in agony and anticipation at the outcome of Oedipus as he unveils the truth of his not-so-perfect life. Although his downfall is not made by one single specific tragic flaw, he meets the requirements to be Aristotle’s ideal tragic hero because his tragedy is brought by his own character and outside influences aid in meeting his fate. According to Marjorie Barstow, contributor to the Classical Weekly, Oedipus has