Oedipus The King is a Greek Disaster

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Recommended: Aristotle's elements of tragedy on Oedipus the king

Oedipus the king by Sophocles is one of the oldest ancient Greek tragedies known to the common world. The play posses all factors that a classic Greek tragedy requires. To further explain, I agree with the fact that "Oedipus the King" by Sophocles is a Greek disaster. This hard to believe, remarkable play has been proven to be a Greek tragedy by Aristotle. In Aristotle’s thoughts, a classical drama must tell the story of a downfall, have unexpected twists of fate, cause pity and fear in the audience, and have a disastrous ending. There are many examples of these fundamentals all over the play to prove that it is in fact, a tragedy.

With every Greek disaster, there is main character, also known as a “Tragic Hero” who posses tragic flaws, which lead into their downfall. Oedipus demonstrates three tragic flaws, intolerance, stubbornness, and a short temper, each of which lead into his downfall. An example of Oedipus’ stubbornness’ could be when he demands on finding the murderer of Laius and proving that the prophecy hasn’t come true. However, Jocasta Oedipus’ queen and mother already is aware of the fact that all of this chaos is true and chooses to hide the truth. "That man, why ask? Old shepherds, talk, empty nonsense, don’t give it another thought; don't even think “Oedipus replies with, “What- give up now, with a clue like this? Fail to solve the mystery of my birth? Not for all the world!” Oedipus demonstrates his impatience when he is insists on knowing the truth of his birth. In fact, how could you blame him? "That man, why ask? Old shepherd, talk, empty nonsense, don't give it another thought, don't even think “Oedipus replied with, " What- give up now, with a clue like this? Fail to solve the mystery of my birth? Not for all the world!" His temper is shown when he is unbelievably upset with Tiresias for accusing him that he is the murderer of Laius. "No, I can't say I grasped your meaning. Out with it again" Tiresias replies saying,” I say you are the murderer you hunt” Oedipus demonstrates his temper once again, and threatens Tiresias

" That obscenity, twice- by god you'll pay.”

Another important element in a Greek tragedy is an unexpected twist or occurrence for the main character. An example of an unexpected twist is when a messenger from Corinth comes to Oedipus and informs him that Polybus, who Oedipus’ believes is his father, is dead and that the people of Corinth hope for him to be their King.

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