Who Is Oedipus A Tragic Hero

Some of the most well-known plays are tragedies, characterized by the downfall of the main character. Shakespeare, a renowned playwright, has written his fair share of plays in this genre, including the famous Romeo and Juliet and Hamlet. However, tragedy has its roots in Ancient Greek dramas, including Oedipus Rex, written by Sophocles. As expected, Oedipus, the protagonist, is seen at the beginning at the height of his power, and is revealed to have fallen drastically by the conclusion of the play. Oedipus is a tragic hero because he meets fate by his own actions, is a leader of men, and has a flaw that both aids and harms him. Like all beings, Oedipus meets fate by his own actions. Teiresias understands this fact, and tells Oedipus, “You weave your own doom” (Sophocles 1.365). The word ‘you’ is essential to the meaning of this quote: the consequences of Oedipus’ choices come from his decisions alone, and not anyone else’s. In addition, the fact that Teiresias says this, a seer …show more content…
For example, when Oedipus attempted to solve the riddle of the Sphinx, he was a “simple man, who [knew] nothing” (Sophocles 1.383). The sphinx had already destroyed many other educated men that sought to save Thebes but failed. Despite the fact that Oedipus ‘knew nothing’, he still had enough confidence in himself to risk his life, and consequently, was rewarded for it. However, Oedipus’ pride had also lent a hand in propelling him to his fate. While he walked from Corinth, he came upon a King Laius’ chariot and “the groom leading the horses/ Forced [him] off the road at his lord's command” (Sophocles 1.760-761). The fact that Oedipus flew into rage from the simple action of moving him off the road shows his excessive pride in himself, allowing him to have a overblown view of his self-importance. This led to Oedipus’ massacre of King Laius and his company, and therefore satisfying a portion of the unfortunate