Oedipus Rex Essay

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Oedipus Rex Essay

The name “Oedipus” means “swollen feet” in Latinized Greek. His parents, Laius and Jocasta, gave him this name while piercing a metal rod through the ankles of his feet, in order to prevent the fulfilment of the oracle’s prophecy. Despite this heinous act, their efforts were in vain as Oedipus’ free will conquered the theme of fate. In the play Oedipus Rex by Sophocles, the tragic hero, Oedipus, demonstrates hamartia, a fatal error in judgement, which brings about his own downfall. It was Oedipus’ hubris that was responsible for the tragic ending of this play. Evidence of this statement occurs when Oedipus’ determination towards solving the mystery behind Laius’ death ironically lead to the truth behind the oracle’s prophecies. Additionally, Oedipus’ overweening pride and ego resulted in the murder of Laius, which was a major stepping-stone in the prophecy. He illustrates his error in judgment through his pride, blindness, and foolishness and therefore is at fault.

In fact, Oedipus’ determination towards solving the mystery behind Laius’ death ironically lead to the truth behind the oracle’s prophecy. His supercilious “energia” is present during his speech to the people of Thebes where he states, “As for the criminal, I pray to God -/ Whether it be lurking thief, or one of a number -/ I pray that that man’s life be consumed in evil and/ wretchedness,” (30). Furthermore, he explains that, “If any man knows by whose hand Laius, son of Labdacus,/ Met his death, I direct that man to tell me everything,/… Moreover: if anyone knows the murderer to be foreign,/ Let him not keep silent: he shall have his reward from me,” (30). When Oedipus seeks advice from Apollo in order to lift the curse casted upon Thebes, he lea...

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...f King Laius and a reversal of fortune. Ironically, he had cursed the murderer to a “life consumed in evil and wretchedness.” Thanks to Oedipus’ own pride and conceited ego, malediction had turned upon him. Likewise, Oedipus’ own stubbornness and willpower towards solving the mystery behind Laius’ death, ironically lead to the revelation of who his actual parents were. A feeling of catharsis was expressed as it was made clear that the ultimate tragedy was the result of the tragic hero’s hubris and ironic actions.

Works Cited

MacDonald, J. W., and John Clifford Waring Saxton. "Oedipus Rex." Four Stages. New York: St. Martin's, 1967. N. pag. Print.

Shmoop Editorial Team. "Oedipus the King Quotes." Shmoop.com. Shmoop University, Inc., 11 Nov. 2008. Web. 18 Feb. 2014.

"Glossary of Rhetorical Terms." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, 17 Feb. 2014. Web. 18 Feb. 2014.

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