Oedipus Essay

character’s downfall. Oedipus, the tragic hero of Sophocles’ Oedipus Rex, is a man whose hamartia is that he is not self-aware; he believes that he is the birth son of Polybus and Merope. Then, as the king of Thebes, he wants to bring King Laius’ murderer to justice without realizing he is searching for himself. Lastly, after answering the Sphinx's riddle and saving the citizens of Thebes, he marries the Theban queen, Jocasta, not knowing that she was his true birth mother. Oedipus…

Destiny’s Child From day-to-day, week-to-week, and month-to-month, one could often hope that “destiny be with [them] always” (48). Oedipus, a bizarre yet strangely appealing story about a man who married his mother and killed his father, revolves around the entire concept of fate. Personally, I thought it was one of the most significant themes of the play, and it was the single thing that led me to create my chronicle. I chose to write about Jocasta’s last moments; because I wanted to explore…

Oedipus Rex Discussion Questions 1) How does Oedipus treat those who are reluctant to obey him throughout the play? What does this tell you about Oedipus’ character? In the beginning of the play Oedipus speaks as a strong king ruling his people. He waves his hands over the people as a kind ruler over his servants. But suspicion builds very quickly when he is shows anger with anyone who questions him or speaks up in disagreement. Oedipus makes the inner fear and hesitation that is within him very…

conflict begins. When he enters the play Oedipus is skeptical of his knowledge perhaps because of his blindness. Oedipus first shows his rage in this passage calling Tiresias a traitor to his people. Tiresias is very nonchalant about this interaction simply stating that it does not matter what he says, the truth will come out. Tiresias blindness is important because he was blinded by the gods for telling man their secrets. This might be why he refuse to tell Oedipus who the killer…

Oedipus (swollen foot) who was known for his wisdom and knowledge. He was the son of Laius (for his son killing him and a hero) and Jocasta (prophecy saying). Oedipus was the ruler of Thebes when he killed Sphinx the beast the was half lion and half lady. When his father first heard that Oedipus was going to kill him and marry his mother. So Laius told one of his servants to percies his ankles so he couldn’t walk and that's how he got his name Oedipus. His mother (Jocasta) handed the baby to a…

Throughout the story of Oedipus, Sophocles uses many metaphors and a great deal of Dramatic irony, so we figured such a dramatic character needed a good deal of symbols in his Body Biography. First, Oedipus is standing on a pedestal. This pedestal represents the pedestal Oedipus had placed himself on based on how high he thought his intelligence and bravery were. The Pedestal has started to crack under his feet to represent that pedestal he placed himself on start to disintegrate as he found out…

necessary for any growing society. This is presented by the author and tragic poet Sophocles in his works, through brave characters that are going to be capable of challenging the government and the authority of the gods. For example, the work of Oedipus the King presents a strong man willing to do everything when it comes to his people, justice and truth. Also, the work of Antigone features a woman with character, capable of confronting the man and any authority which prevents her from justice.…

The tale of Oedipus Rex is that of incest and murder, but to no fault of his own. He was dealt a tough hand by that of destiny, and was doomed even before conception. Although he did take part in both sinful acts, to his knowledge, he lived a wholesome life. His innocence in the matter is seen not only through his actions,but his ignorance towards his biological parents as well as the true curse on his family. As a young child, Oedipus was born into a family that did not want him, as they were…

The same holds true for Oedipus Rex and Oedipus at Colonus. Both of these ancient Greek tragedies, written by Sophocles, center around Oedipus; a man born into one royal family of Thebes, but is raised into the royal family of Corinth to later return to Thebes and begin ruling there. His whole life he was surrounded by privilege and in the end, it leads to his downfall. Being born into privilege can have drastic, damaging effects on one’s life. A common occurrence in Oedipus is…

gods release the bull of the heavens and injures Enkidu they curse him to a slow painful death and he dies. In Oedipus his hubris ended up killing Laius in the road he could’ve let him go ahead of him instead of resulting a conflict setting forth the prophecy. By the end of the play Jocasta already put the pieces together and runs away to her room where she commits suicide, however Oedipus still arrogant and blind to the prophecy is still questioning the prophecy and not believing it until the…