Themes In Oedipus The King

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The play Oedipus the King by Sophocles is a drama of a heroic archetype struggling to find answers which creates many conflicts in the story which include man vs. man, man vs. himself, and man vs. supernatural. Oedipus, who is the King of Thebes is under pressure searching for who murdered King Laois. During his search the king must overcome many conflicts in order to find answers to the murder of King Laois and in the process uncovers more information about himself. Man vs. Man The entire man to man confrontation comes down to friendship and trust. Oedipus does not trust Creon even though he tries to help him find the murderer of King Laois. In fact, Oedipus retaliates against him due to several incidences. First, Creon suggested Oedipus meet Teiresias, a holy prophet who may have information about the murder of King Laois. Oedipus becomes frustrated with Teiresias lack of cooperation and inability to share critical information. Thus causing Oedipus` lack of trust with Creon. Oedipus felt betrayed by Creon as to why he wanted him to meet with Tierias calling him “a wizard” (Sophocles 1220). It is detrimental to think Teiresias knew Oedipus …show more content…

man, man vs. self, and man vs. supernatural is apparent in through the analysis through the textual analysis and support of the articles. Thus the major themes when analyzing the text. In Oedipus’s attempt to avoid fate, he ends up through determination and many conflicts the outcome of his prophecy. This became apparent through the text because you can see the distinctive themes taking place. The actual text support allows you to realize how the conflicts are taking place in the story. The heroic archetype is unfortunately ostracized by those who know the truth but do not express their concern for the man’s well-being in society. The complexity of the protagonist’s actions lead to his innocence and eventually downfall when he learns his prophecy has been

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