The Tragedy Of Oedipus Rex And Antigone

Sophocles was an ancient greek playwright who lived during the Classical Period, and created works that still influence insights of human character today. In Oedipus Rex, turmoil erupts in Thebes when Oedipus realizes he is the murderer of his father, Laius. However, Oedipus finds that this is not his only worry; he has just recently learned that he has married his birth mother, Jocasta. While one may say that it is Oedipus’ oblivion that makes him responsible for these tragedies, it is arguable that other characters such as the shepherd and the people of Thebes may be responsible for these events. On the other hand, in Antigone, there is a large controversial affair that has just occurred in Thebes involving Antigone and her brother, Polyneicês. …show more content…
While it is arguable that the shepherd is to blame and Oedipus Rex, and Antigone in Antigone, these tragedies are solely based on the senselessness and intransigent attitude of their rulers. In Oedipus Rex, Oedipus uses the fact that he solved the riddle of the Sphinx as an excuse to his superiority over his subjects, “What good were they? or the gods for the matter of that? - But I came by, - Oedipus, the simple man, who knows nothing - I thought it out for myself, no birds helped me! And this is the man you think you can destroy” (22). Oedipus’s conceited tone that he uses towards Teiresias makes it nearly impossible for anyone to share their opinion with him or cope with him. Throughout the play, people have been unwilling to reveal the truth about anything that happens to Oedipus because they know he will lash out and refuse to believe it. Similar to Oedipus, Creon also sustains a headstrong attitude, and refuses to listen to anyone 's opinion. When Teiresias comes bearing important information to share with Creon, Creon dismisses the thought of changing Antigone’s punishment and instead becomes angry with Teiresias, “No Teiresias: - if your birds - if the great eagles of God himself - should carry him stinking bit by bit to heaven, - I would not yield. I am not afraid of pollution: - no man can defile the gods” (232). It is Creon’s excessive pride and unbending mindset that causes turmoil in Thebes. Although Teiresias comes bearing important news that would be of great help to Creon, he refuses the idea of going in a different direction because he believes his way is the only right way. Following this argument, Creon belittles Teiresias to show his superiority over him “You forget yourself! You are speaking to your King” (233). Although Teiresias is a man who exhibits great wisdom, Creon continues to believe that because he has