All tragic plays consist of a tragic hero who is destined for negativity and an eventual downfall. Oedipus in Sophocles’ Oedipus the King does not believe in the infallibility of the gods and has all the characteristics of a classic, tragic hero. He displays these characteristics throughout the course of the entire play. As a result, his downfall is inevitable. Hubris is the most well known trait among the palette of a tragic hero’s characteristics. Hubris is defined as being overtly pompous. Oedipus shows hubris all throughout the play and it is a major factor in his downfall. The citizens of Thebes gather to express their discontent with the plague surrounding their city. Oedipus proclaims:
My children I am filled with pity, I knew what you were longing for when you came here. I know only too well that you are sick, but sick though you may be there is not one of you as sick as I. Your pain torments each one of you, alone, by himself-by my spirit within me mourns for the city, and myself, and all of you (7).
Oedipus surmounts …show more content…
When hamartia is paired with the hero’s arrogance, a catastrophe is guaranteed. In Oedipus' case, his fatal flaw is his petulance and rashness. Creon, Oedipus' brother in law, brings forth a man who knows how to bring the god Apollo’s prophecy to an end. Tiresias is the contemptuous man who is brought forth. He speaks cryptically about the prophecy and this angers Oedipus. Tiresias continues to withhold his critical information, despite Oedipus' ever growing vexation. Oedipus is enraged and retorts, “I am angry enough to speak out. I understand it all. Listen to me, I think that you helped to plan the murder of Laius-yes and short of actually raising your hand against him you did it” (21). 3-Oedipus' pressing anger meets with his tendency to proclaim culpability towards others. He is swift to put blame on others. Oedipus’ fortified arguing skills lead to his point of self
My children I am filled with pity, I knew what you were longing for when you came here. I know only too well that you are sick, but sick though you may be there is not one of you as sick as I. Your pain torments each one of you, alone, by himself-by my spirit within me mourns for the city, and myself, and all of you (7).
Oedipus surmounts …show more content…
When hamartia is paired with the hero’s arrogance, a catastrophe is guaranteed. In Oedipus' case, his fatal flaw is his petulance and rashness. Creon, Oedipus' brother in law, brings forth a man who knows how to bring the god Apollo’s prophecy to an end. Tiresias is the contemptuous man who is brought forth. He speaks cryptically about the prophecy and this angers Oedipus. Tiresias continues to withhold his critical information, despite Oedipus' ever growing vexation. Oedipus is enraged and retorts, “I am angry enough to speak out. I understand it all. Listen to me, I think that you helped to plan the murder of Laius-yes and short of actually raising your hand against him you did it” (21). 3-Oedipus' pressing anger meets with his tendency to proclaim culpability towards others. He is swift to put blame on others. Oedipus’ fortified arguing skills lead to his point of self