The Characterization Of Oedipus Oedipus Rex - 1303 Words

In Sophocles tragic play, Oedipus Rex, there is often feedback when discussing the characterization of Oedipus. Key issues in this play are pointed towards in realm of a tragedy, because Oedipus suffers a few character flaws such as anger, pride and arrogance. Within those flaws, he fails to reflect upon his actions; causing blindness and later, result his honor to be under minded and seen at the forefront of Thebes. What makes this play more on the fringe than other tragic plays are Oedipus’s actions’. They are what motivate his prophecy, and it allows him to discover his identity as, â€Å"He has no clear vision which enables him to examine every side of a matter with unclouded eyes, and to see all things in due perspective; nor has he a calm wisdom which is always master of his passion,† says Barstow, Marjorie. Considering the background of this tragic, begins with his actions before he enters Thebes. This indicates a general structure of his actions; Revealing his first flaw of pride. Toward the end of the plot Oedipus says to Jocusta, â€Å"There was a dinner and at it a man, a drunken man, accused me in his drink of being bastard. I was furious but held my temper under for that day.† 871. Reflecting back, he continues explaining to Jocusta, his wife, how he confronted his parents and visits the oracle in Delphi. â€Å"Next day I went and taxed my parents with it they took the insult very ill from him, the drunken fellow who had uttered it. So I was comforted for their part, butShow MoreRelatedHuman Will and the Power of the Gods: Oedipus Rex by Sophocles1363 Words   |  6 Pagesaccomplished only by some. Sophocles’ Oedipus Rex is considered today as one of the greatest tragedies produced by an author during this time. Carefully crafted motifs, character-developing monol ogues, and poignant irony all combine to create a tragedy that leaves readers stunned and grieving for poor Oedipus. Throughout Oedipus Rex, the motif of blindness and sight emphasizes the struggle between the power of free will and the power of the gods made evident in Oedipus’ interactions with Tiresias, Jokasta’sRead MoreOedipus As A Tragic Hero1445 Words   |  6 PagesAlthough not all who wander or deviate from the path are lost, some clearly are. When Oedipus, the eponymous character of Sophocles’ tragedy Oedipus Rex, first learns that he is destined to kill his father and marry his mother, he abandons his home intent on never returning in order to avoid meeting his fate. Unbeknownst to the tragic hero, before the curtain’s rise, the prophecy has already been fulfilled. Consequently, due to the underlying corruption in Thebes, the people are perishing of a plagueRead MoreOedipus Rex Motifs And Symbols1319 Words   |  6 Pages Oedipus Rex Motifs and Symbols The paths (3 crossroads): Expressed three independent ways Oedipus could have chosen to continue his life, and Oedipus chose the inferior road. Oedipus’s legs: Oedipus’s damaged legs and feet symbolize his painful upbringing. As well as this, it represents his mental health, which is damaged just like his feet. Vision: Oedipus can actually see, while Tiresias is actually blind. Yet, even though he can see, Oedipus is blind enough to not recognize that he killedRead MoreExamples Of Fate In Oedipus1010 Words   |  5 PagesIt is the responsibility of man to take ownership of his destiny which separates the human condition for that of other earthly beasts. From birth, Oedipus, the tragic hero of Sophocles’ Greek Tragedy Oedipus Rex, is destined to kill his father and marry his mother. Although by the opening act of the play, Oedipus has earned the throne of Thebes for solving the riddle of the Sphinx, the eponymous character is unaware that he has already fulfilled his prophecy. Meanwhile, the people of Thebes are dyingRead MoreExposure to Tragedy in Sophocles Oedipus the King702 Words   |  3 Pagesto write the drama Oedipus the king. One important influence on the story was his exposer to tragedy all around him. Jeffrey buller in â€Å"Sophocles† told us that Sophocles lear ned the art form of tragedy from Aeschylus. Sophocles later went to the Great Dionysus a competition for the greatest tragedy and won first place over Aeschylus. Also, Sophocles shows tragedy in the play by telling us about the legend the heard while he grew up (Buller 2-4).Similarly, Oedipus in â€Å"Oedipus the King† goes hisRead MoreOedipus The King, And Oedipus At Colonus1343 Words   |  6 Pages Oedipus, a play written by Sophocles, has become a staple in the study of a Tragic hero in classic literature. When this was written in the fifth century, theatre was more than a means of entertainment but almost a religious event. Robert Fagles goes even further by saying that†theatre was not only a religious festival; it was also an aspect of the city’s political life.† (Fagles) . Greek dramas were presented only twice a year during religious festivals that honored Dionysus, the god of winesRead MoreFate is the Key Theme in Sophocles’ Oedipus Rex and in Chekhov’s The Seagull622 Words   |  2 Pagesforgone conclusion of fate is a key theme in Sophocles’ Oedipus Rex and in Chekhov’s The Seagull. These story fascinated readers the way that forgone conclusions are sent by playwright and how the actions of the characters contribute to and heightened their fate. There is a distinction to the approach during which Oedipus and, to a lesser extent, Nina builds their fates by their own actions and decision. In every case the authors use characterization to reinforce and increase the sense of foregone conclusionRead MoreOedipus Rex2527 Words   |  11 PagesEssay on Oedipus Rex 4-3-97 In Sophocles Oedipus Rex, the theme of irony plays an important part through the play. What Oedipus does, what he says, and even who he is can sometimes be ironic. This irony can help us to see the character of Oedipus as truly a blind man, or a wholly public man. A great irony is found in Oedipuss decree condemning the murderer. Oedipus says, To avenge the city and the citys god, / And not as though it were for some distant friend, / But for my own sake, to beRead MoreOedipus vs. Creon1174 Words   |  5 PagesOne City; Two Corrupt Leaders In the plays Oedipus Rex and Antigone by Sophocles, Oedipus and Creon exert similar characteristics as leaders that ultimately result in their characterization as tragic heroes. They take a similar course throughout their stories, which leads to a similar fate, resulting in tragedy. Both characters tried to revive a city in need, but in the process, the hubris they possessed got in the way. Both men had the chance to see that their actions would lead to a tragic endingRead MoreOpedipus, a tragic hero Essay example1708 Words   |  7 PagesOutline Thesis Statement: Oedipus is the embodiment of Aristotle’s characterization of a tragic hero through his ability to preserve his virtue and wisdom, despite his flaws and predicament. Introduction I. Sophocles’ Oedipus: A Tragic Hero A. Definition of a tragic hero B. Oedipus Character as it relates II. Tragedy A. Language of Tragedy B. Tragedy as it affects the audience III. Plot A. Aristotle’s idea of a tragic plot B. Significance of the plot IV. Virtue and Morality