At the end of the play Oedipus Rex, one of Sophocles’ most celebrated plays, Oedipus suffers from blindness and exilement as punishments for committing patricide and incest with his mother. Many people think that these punishments were justified since Oedipus, unintentional or not, carries out some of the most grave and unspeakable offenses capable of making even the toughest of men recoil in their guts. However, many overlook some important facts that would deem Oedipus’ retributions too harsh, and arguably, unjust for such an honorable figure. For one thing, Oedipus possesses noble virtues worthy of a good and honest man which made him a respectable leader, portrays in his deep compassion for his people and his unyielding search for truth.
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As a result, he should not be held fully accountable for his actions. In the beginning of the play, Oedipus fully establishes himself as a caring leader, fully sympathetic to his people, attentively listening to their pleas and sufferings. He depicts the characteristics of a capable and right-minded ruler whose actions are for the welfare of the state and of the people, rendering his fate as undeserving and too severe. For example, when the citizens of Thebes come to his palace to beg for a solution to the disasters that are terrorizing the city, Oedipus says, “ ...tells me what preys upon you, whether you come in dread, or crave some blessing: tell me and never doubt that I will help you in every way I can” (4). This quote exemplifies Oedipus’ deep concern and understanding for his subjects. Plus, his promise clearly shows his benevolence and ever …show more content…
He can not be held responsible for doing what he does not know is bad. In explaining his backstory to Jocasta, his wife, Oedipus says, “Polybos of Corinth is my father. My mother is a Dorian: Meropê” (42). This illustrates Oedipus’ complete ignorance of his true parentage, therefore, it is not really his fault when he killed his father mistakenly on the road and wedded his mother not knowing who she really is. To Oedipus, meeting Laius while on his journey was just meeting a pompous stranger who unfairly pushed Oedipus off the road and selfishly hogged it, provoking Oedipus’ anger and causing him to strike the former king. Not to mention the fact that Laius struck Oedipus, which only serves to enrage Oedipus further. Moreover, it can even be almost guaranteed that Oedipus would never have done the crimes that he committed had he known of his true parentage, because he shows great affections toward his perceived parents, as seen when Oedipus left Corinth to stop himself from killing Polybos and marrying Merope. He committed all his crimes with total ignorance, and his actions were not filled with any bad intentions. In fact, all of his actions in the play, except for one time when he attacked Laius out of anger, were for a good cause, trying to benefit the welfare of those affected. In short, his unawareness of the circumstances of his parents real
As a result, he should not be held fully accountable for his actions. In the beginning of the play, Oedipus fully establishes himself as a caring leader, fully sympathetic to his people, attentively listening to their pleas and sufferings. He depicts the characteristics of a capable and right-minded ruler whose actions are for the welfare of the state and of the people, rendering his fate as undeserving and too severe. For example, when the citizens of Thebes come to his palace to beg for a solution to the disasters that are terrorizing the city, Oedipus says, “ ...tells me what preys upon you, whether you come in dread, or crave some blessing: tell me and never doubt that I will help you in every way I can” (4). This quote exemplifies Oedipus’ deep concern and understanding for his subjects. Plus, his promise clearly shows his benevolence and ever …show more content…
He can not be held responsible for doing what he does not know is bad. In explaining his backstory to Jocasta, his wife, Oedipus says, “Polybos of Corinth is my father. My mother is a Dorian: Meropê” (42). This illustrates Oedipus’ complete ignorance of his true parentage, therefore, it is not really his fault when he killed his father mistakenly on the road and wedded his mother not knowing who she really is. To Oedipus, meeting Laius while on his journey was just meeting a pompous stranger who unfairly pushed Oedipus off the road and selfishly hogged it, provoking Oedipus’ anger and causing him to strike the former king. Not to mention the fact that Laius struck Oedipus, which only serves to enrage Oedipus further. Moreover, it can even be almost guaranteed that Oedipus would never have done the crimes that he committed had he known of his true parentage, because he shows great affections toward his perceived parents, as seen when Oedipus left Corinth to stop himself from killing Polybos and marrying Merope. He committed all his crimes with total ignorance, and his actions were not filled with any bad intentions. In fact, all of his actions in the play, except for one time when he attacked Laius out of anger, were for a good cause, trying to benefit the welfare of those affected. In short, his unawareness of the circumstances of his parents real