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self discovery in oedipus
critical analysis of the character Oedipus
critical analysis of the character Oedipus
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Choosing the Humane Road
Sophocles, writing in the 5th century BC, created his works as he experienced both the Persian and Peloponnesian Wars. These wars were focused around pride and greed, two vices that continue to drive violence in the 21st century. In Sophocles’ work Oedipus the King, Oedipus must come to new understanding of the self in relation to others to truly see himself and to understand the world. The lesson that Oedipus must learn is a lesson that yearns to be acknowledged and embraced still today. Like the Persians, Spartans, and Athens, the United States must, if it wants to be successful as a nation and world power, consider the other as the self. Americans must believe in the oneness of humanity, and they must appreciate the connection that makes everyone in the human race part of a common family. Until the United States views the world in this fashion, it will continue to engage in self-destruction similar to that of Oedipus and of those engaged in war in Sophocles’ time.
To fully understand the comparisons that will follow, it is first necessary to understand the history of the Persian and Peloponnesian Wars, as well as the history of the United States’ engagement in war. The Persian Wars took place from about 499-479 BC; these battles were fought between the Greeks and the Persians, who lived in the area of the modern day Iran. After numerous battles and minor victories, the Athenians were ultimately successful in defeating the Persians with the help of the Spartans. Following this war, the Athenians and the Spartans became friends because together they had successfully defeated the Persians. In 431 BC, however, the Athenians violated their peace treaty with the Spartans, and, as a result, a civil wa...
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... placed the U.S. at another critical crossroads in its history, but many Americans seem to be blind, like Oedipus, to the choices and consequences that lie before them. Until Americans view the Afghan people and all people around the world as equal to themselves, the inevitable consequences, discord, violence, and war, will continue.
Works Cited
CNN. "Jere Van Dyk: A Historical Perspective of the Fight Over Afghanistan." CNN
Online 25 Sept. 2001. 14 Nov. 2001.