Oedipus The King Pride Analysis

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Pride often hinders us from taking other’s opinion into account despite good or bad. Nevertheless, sometimes it is better to listen to others for own well being. Oedipus, the protagonist, takes pride in his wisdom due to his belief of escaping fate, and solving a riddle to become a king. As a result,he embarks upon a dark journey by willing to unmask the culprit behind King Laois’ murderer to free his people from the plague. However, during the process, the prophet warns him, but he does not pay heed and investigates further to find that he is the murderer.. This comes to be abrasive for the protagonist - brings shame and grief for him - resulting in him gouging his eyes out. Sophocles effectively crafted pride as a characteristic flaw to Oedipus , to highlight the tragedy. His pride due to his knowledge blinds him from taking advices from others, but consequently blinds him legitimately as he fails to recognize that no knowledge can change the outcome of the gods’ will. Sophocles heightens the idea that it is best to pay heed to others advice, to prevent the ultimate humiliation.

The main character, desires to bring peace in Thebes,and the only way of getting rid of the plague is through purifying the city from eliminating the murderer of the predecessor. He is penned as a character, who is respected and viewed upon as a god-like person, a ray of hope to many Thebians. They firmly believe he is capable of eradicating their agony as he is the great
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Oedipus is proud and determined to unravel the culprit of the predecessor’s murderer to be freed from plague. When the prophet initially alerts him, and later points finger towards him , he does not comply, insults him to make things even worse. His continuous efforts reveals him as the murderer: Sophocles raises the idea that cautious humility is best from being shun from own

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