Arrogance In Oedipus The King

A number of kings possess defining traits that produce magnificent leaders to lead a kingdom. But, it is human nature to fall short, and everyone, even kings, have characteristics that cause them not to succeed. Actions of arrogance, paranoia, and anger affect a king named Oedipus. In Sophocles’ Greek drama, Oedipus the King, Oedipus ruins his own life, as well as the lives around him because of the negative behaviors that get the best of him, which show his weak character, and later on lead to his exile. Oedipus is a man of pride and arrogance. E.R. Dodds says, “Oedipus, they point out, is proud and overconfident; he harbors unjustified suspicions against Tiresias and Creon; in one place he goes so far as to express some uncertainty about the truth of oracles” (Dodds, 39). He believes that he can control his own fate. In reality, he cannot, and ends up responsible for marrying his own mother, having children with her, and murdering his father. In the Greek
He displays arrogance, anger, and paranoia when Tiresias is merely trying to tell Oedipus the truth. After he mocks Tiresias’ blindness, he blames Creon for supposedly sending Tiresias to blame Oedipus for Laius’ death. Oedipus believes that his good friend and brother-in-law, Creon, is against him. Someone who is a true friend, like Creon, would never betray Oedipus. Oedipus’ paranoia consumes him and blinds him from seeing the truth in what he has done. He only believes Creon committed the murder. Creon attempted to defend himself, but Oedipus grew impatient and quickly sent him away. He said, “Is it endurable that I should hear such words from him? Go and a curse go with you! Quick, home with you! Out of my house at once!” (1. 487-489). Oedipus lost a valuable ally, an ally that tried to help. He jumped to such a harsh and impractical conclusion because his paranoia got the best of him, much like his arrogance and anger