Tragedy In Oedipus The King

Tragedy Essay Tragedy is like a roll of the dice. Although you may feel like you are in control, there is nothing you can do to control the outcome. Fate cannot be changed, and in Sophocles’ Oedipus the King, Oedipus Rex learns this the hard way when he tries his best to avoid and change the tragedy that was prophesied when he was born. Oedipus ends up living a life full of fear of a prophecy he cannot stop, however, he ends the play nobly and tries to fix the wrongs he had done by giving himself punishment by gouging his eyes out and exiling himself from his own kingdom, as well as ensuring that his daughters will not follow the same fate that he did. Eventually Oedipus discovers that the prophecy that he had worked so hard to avoid had already come true. Praying or speaking to the Gods, he believes that he is “cursed in [his] birth” (Sophocles 232), as well as “cursed in marriage” (Sophocles 232). When he discovers that his wife (who is also his mother) had killed herself, Oedipus brutally gouges his eyes out. At first this action may seem reckless, but despite the pain, Oedipus believes that it is the right thing to do. During his realization, Oedipus says, “Too long you looked on …show more content…

When he discovers what he destined to do, he tries to avoid it because he realizes the tragedy of the prophecy. During Oedipus’ rule of Thebes, he was a benevolent king who only wanted to do the right thing for his people. Near the beginning of the play, Oedipus displays a large amount of care for his citizens: “I grieve for these, my people, far more than I fear for my own life.” (Sophocles 159). However Oedipus’ benevolence is set aside for his other ambitions, like discovering his past. When Oedipus discovers what really happens, he becomes distraught, and eventually punishes himself in many ways, but in doing so also reveals that he cares about doing what is right for his people, his children, and for