Oedipus Tragic Flaw

Oedipus Rex, a tragedy written by Sophocles, features Oedipus as a tragic hero with an unavoidable fate. This tragedy explores Oedipus’ quest for his true identity. His search for Laius’ murderer leads him on a search for the truth regarding his birth. Eventually, Oedipus discovers he has committed murder and incest, resulting in his exile from Thebes and his ultimate downfall. According to Aristotle’s view on tragedies and tragic heroes, a tragic hero must possess a tragic flaw that leads to his downfall. As a tragic hero, Oedipus possesses the tragic flaw of hubris, which is displayed when he attempts to alter his fate, denies any accusations against him, and ignores the warnings of others.
Oedipus demonstrates his tragic flaw of hubris in his efforts to avoid his fate and the prophecy by fleeing Corinth and his parents, Polybus and Merope. He recounts to Jocasta his flight from Corinth after hearing about the prophecy at Delphi. He says, “I heard all of this, and fled [...] to a land where I should never see …show more content…
He does not listen to Jocasta’s warnings, and he threatens the shepherd to tell him the truth of his identity. Jocasta, who has realized Oedipus’ true identity, implores Oedipus to abandon his quest. Oedipus, refusing her plea, exclaims, “I will not listen; the truth must be made known” (244). Through his assertion, Oedipus reveals he is self-centered, ignoring the appeals of those closest to him. Although Oedipus’ stubbornness causes Jocasta emotional pain, he shows indifference toward her and continues his pursuit for his own personal desire. Furthermore, Oedipus demands the shepherd to tell him the truth of his birth. Using his superiority as king, he threatens the shepherd with death and eventually forces the shepherd to tell the truth. Upon hearing the words of the shepherd, Oedipus’ twisted actions are finally revealed to