Oedipus at Colonus Essays: Revenge

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Revenge in Oedipus at Colonus

A prevailing concept throughout Sophocles' Oedipus at Colonus is that of revenge. Oedipus is given the opportunity to avenge many of the wrongs he has accumulated in his lifetime, and he takes the opportunity.

Oedipus suffered through the latter portion of his life. Although the gods should be credited with the majority of his pain, he was wronged by mere mortals during his life. Did he have the right to seek revenge in general? Yes, he did. There is more to Oedipus's vengeance than just to inflict pain upon others. Those who intentionally harm others must face the consequences, even if they themselves will not be changed by such consequences. If no person ever hated or sought revenge, the world might well become a paradise, especially for the thieves, liars, and other criminals. If no one seeks punishment for the actions of any other individual, the less moral will begin to take advantage of their unchecked acti...

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