Theme Of Arrogance In Oedipus

Register to read the introduction… Prior to the plays setting “Oedipus goes to Delphi where he asks the oracle who his true parents are. To this the god responds that he will kill his father and marry his mother.” (Hogan P. 19) Determined not to allow the prophecy to come true Oedipus runs away from his home in Corinth. During Oedipus’ travel, he encounters a small group of men “where three roads meet”. Oedipus first displays his arrogance by not peacefully resolving the confrontation he encountered, knowing that the prophet prophesied Oedipus killing his own father. Later, Oedipus again displays his blatant arrogance by ignoring the prophets warning of incest when “he received the throne of Thebes and the hand of the widowed queen, his mother, Jocasta.”( Britannica). Oedipus clearly demonstrates a habit of arrogance in his decision-making and therefore, fulfilling the first prerequisite of Aristotle’s tragic …show more content…
Once Oedipus realizes the extent that his hubris has ruined his life, he is so overcome with sorrow that he forces himself to never see again by gouging out his eyes. Oedipus’ “self-blinding is followed by a demand that he be cast from the city, self-cursed and loathsome to himself, his countrymen and his family.”(Hogan P. 21) After Oedipus’ is fully aware of his actions, he realizes he must follow the punishment that he created for the perpetrator. The regret and sorry Oedipus experiences during this revelation are hidden iniquity is massive. Oedipus is immediately humbled, and is so heart-broken that he accused Creon of treason that Oedipus displays honor by begging for banishment from Thebes. This intrepid honor is critical for the audience to sympathize with Oedipus, making him less of a character and more of fellow human struck by fate. Though Oedipus’ integrity and title are shattered, he honors his own preemptive punishment of banishment carried out by …show more content…
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