Oedipus Essay
A tragic hero is defined as a literary character that makes an error of judgment or has a total flaw, that combined with fate and external forces, brings on a tragedy. This pertains to Oedipus, as his brash decisions and unwillingness to accept the truth, along with his doomed fate, leads to his demise.
The first thing that makes Oedipus a tragic hero is that he makes some large errors of judgment. This occurs when he decides to announce the punishment for the murderer of the late King Laius in front of all of Thebes. Although he made this decision with the best intention, thinking that it would keep the citizens from believing he did it, this played a part in his demise. Since everyone in Thebes now knew of the punishment for the criminal, he would now have to carry through with the discipline he has set. The other major mistake that he makes is insisting that Teiresias tell the truth. Had he not made the prophet reveal the identity of the criminal in front of the citizens of Thebes, Oedipus would not have suffered nearly as much as he did. These mistakes are tragic not only because they lead to Oedipus’ downfall, but also because he made them with the best intentions. Acting as a noble king, Oedipus was trying to save his city and protect its citizens from the terrible famine that threatened Thebes. It is in this way that he is a tragic hero.
The second thing that makes Oedipus a tragic hero is his unfortunate fate. This fate- that he is to kill his father, and marry his mother- is presented to the reader, and to Oedipus, at the beginning of the Oedipus the King. Thinking that his adoptive parents are biologically related to him, Oedipus flees the kingdom to avoid this dismal future. However, in doing so, he falls straight into his fate. This is another reason he is a tragic hero; he flees to save himself and those he loves, and instead becomes caught in the fate he was trying so hard to avoid.
Additionally, the fact that Oedipus’ fate is introduced to
The first thing that makes Oedipus a tragic hero is that he makes some large errors of judgment. This occurs when he decides to announce the punishment for the murderer of the late King Laius in front of all of Thebes. Although he made this decision with the best intention, thinking that it would keep the citizens from believing he did it, this played a part in his demise. Since everyone in Thebes now knew of the punishment for the criminal, he would now have to carry through with the discipline he has set. The other major mistake that he makes is insisting that Teiresias tell the truth. Had he not made the prophet reveal the identity of the criminal in front of the citizens of Thebes, Oedipus would not have suffered nearly as much as he did. These mistakes are tragic not only because they lead to Oedipus’ downfall, but also because he made them with the best intentions. Acting as a noble king, Oedipus was trying to save his city and protect its citizens from the terrible famine that threatened Thebes. It is in this way that he is a tragic hero.
The second thing that makes Oedipus a tragic hero is his unfortunate fate. This fate- that he is to kill his father, and marry his mother- is presented to the reader, and to Oedipus, at the beginning of the Oedipus the King. Thinking that his adoptive parents are biologically related to him, Oedipus flees the kingdom to avoid this dismal future. However, in doing so, he falls straight into his fate. This is another reason he is a tragic hero; he flees to save himself and those he loves, and instead becomes caught in the fate he was trying so hard to avoid.
Additionally, the fact that Oedipus’ fate is introduced to