Oedipus, a Tragic Hero

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Oedipus a Tragic Hero What is a tragic hero? A Tragic hero is a man or character who has great influence, makes an error in his or her actions, and who must suffer the consequences of those actions. Oedipus’ tragic flaws starts with his excessive pride which leads to overconfidence as the people in the city lift him up and feed his ego: “You are not one of the immortal gods we know; Yet we have come to you to make our prayer. As to the man of all men best in adversity and wisest in the ways of God.” (Prologue, Line 34-37) Personality/character changes that moved him from being a great king to a blind man. In the prologue Oedipus is seen as a captain of the ship: “Ah, when years of kingship are remembered, let them not say we rose, but later fell. Keep the state from going down in the storm!” (P.961, line 51-53) Then Oedipus replies to the people letting them know that he has sent his brother-in-law to the Oracle to get help for the city. He is very overconfident at this point because he has already saved Thebes from the curse of Sphinx and taken great pride in his name: “I would not have you speak through messengers- I, Oedipus, who bear the famous name.” (P. 960, line 7-9) He is in even more of a good spirit when he hears that Creon has returned: “May his news be as fair as his face is Radiant!” (P.961, line 83) After getting the news about the King before him from Creon, Oedipus changes into an investigator: “Where shall we find a clue to solve that crime, after so many years?” (P.962, 112) When Oedipus greets the blind seer Teiresia, he greets him with words of praise: “Blind though you are, you know the city lies sick with plague, my lord, we find that you alone can save us.” (P.967, line 87-89) But as it gets harde... ... middle of paper ... ... has killed herself and he blinds himself with her brooches, but stills keeps his head up while acknowledging his faults: “God. God. Is there a sorrow greater? (P.992, line 84, 85) He then blames Apollo for what has happened to him and feels more like the victim: “Children, the god was Apollo. He brought my sick, sick fate upon me.” (P993, line110, 111) Then Oedipus receives pity from Creon who has brought his children to him. He tells them that he is their brother and his wife is one woman that birth him. He also gives them some advice: “Live where you can, be as happy as you can. Happier, please God, than God has made your father.” (P996-997, line 280, 281) Now that he has spoken with his children, Oedipus is ready to receive his punishment, which is exile and before he leaves he asks Creon to look after his children and then he leaves the city, never to return.

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