In most current literature, there is a clear division between the protagonist and the antagonist. For example, in To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee, it is obvious that Scout Finch is the protagonist or hero while Mr. Bob Ewell is the antagonist or villain. The division between these two characters is prominent and unchangeable. However, in Oedipus Rex, this is not true. In Sophocles’ play Oedipus Rex, Sophocles portrays Oedipus as both a villain and hero to impact the audience’s ability to identify with Oedipus, develop emotional bonds towards Oedipus, and create debate about the extent to which Oedipus deserved his fate.
Oedipus’ villainous persona, which is emphasized through his egotism, isolates the audience from personal relation, which …show more content…
Although he may seem arrogant at times, Oedipus is working towards the good of Thebes. Oedipus tries to find the killer of Laius in order to relieve Thebes of its sickness. This redeeming quality musters pity for Oedipus because he is ultimately punished for beneficial actions. When Oedipus decrees “You shall see how I stand by you, as I should, to avenge the city and the city’s good, and not as though it were for some distant friend, but for my own sake, to be rid of evil,” he shows the dedication he has for his kingdom (Sophocles, 1226). Oedipus is not only trying to add to his king profile to be remembered as the savior of Thebes, but also bringing justice to the land stricken by unfair circumstances and injustice. Furthermore, the nobility displayed at the conclusion of the play presents redeeming qualities for Oedipus. Oedipus continues with his edict, saying that the killer of Laius would be exiled from Thebes, rather than going back on it even though he is the killer. If Oedipus was the narcissistic and egotistical person that his villainous persona portrays, then he would not “…leave Thebes, Self-exiled, in order that the curse which he himself pronounced may depart from the house” (Sophocles, 1255). Due to the human tendency to see themselves in the most ideal forms, noble characteristics portrayed through
Oedipus’ villainous persona, which is emphasized through his egotism, isolates the audience from personal relation, which …show more content…
Although he may seem arrogant at times, Oedipus is working towards the good of Thebes. Oedipus tries to find the killer of Laius in order to relieve Thebes of its sickness. This redeeming quality musters pity for Oedipus because he is ultimately punished for beneficial actions. When Oedipus decrees “You shall see how I stand by you, as I should, to avenge the city and the city’s good, and not as though it were for some distant friend, but for my own sake, to be rid of evil,” he shows the dedication he has for his kingdom (Sophocles, 1226). Oedipus is not only trying to add to his king profile to be remembered as the savior of Thebes, but also bringing justice to the land stricken by unfair circumstances and injustice. Furthermore, the nobility displayed at the conclusion of the play presents redeeming qualities for Oedipus. Oedipus continues with his edict, saying that the killer of Laius would be exiled from Thebes, rather than going back on it even though he is the killer. If Oedipus was the narcissistic and egotistical person that his villainous persona portrays, then he would not “…leave Thebes, Self-exiled, in order that the curse which he himself pronounced may depart from the house” (Sophocles, 1255). Due to the human tendency to see themselves in the most ideal forms, noble characteristics portrayed through