Oedipus Research Paper
Abstract
According to Aristotle, Sophocles play, Oedipus, was the perfect tragedy. It contained the elements of a hero of noble birth or rank, a fall for the hero based on a “tragic flaw” and evoked pity for the main character, King Oedipus. This essay will attempt to reflect how Oedipus is a prime example of Aristotle’s tragic hero.
Thesis
Oedipus illustrates Aristotle’s definition of the tragic hero through the esteem of the king, the fatal flaw the brings about the fall of the kind and the pity the reader and audience feel for the character.
I. Introduction
II. Aristotle’s Tragic Hero
a. Rank in Society
b. Fatal / Tragic Flaw
c. Pity for Character
III. Oedipus as a Tragic Hero
a. King by birth and adoption
b. Short Tempered, Rash
c. Loss of everything
IV. Conclusion
a. Hamartia
b. Fatal Flaw
c. Catharsis
Aristotle has long been recognized for his contributions to many areas of society, from math and science to literature. It is claimed that Aristotle was racist, sexist and homophobic and that these views colored the way he saw the world (Engle, 2008). From some of these views, the tragic hero emerges. There are several key components to a Oedipushaving a tragic hero. The first is that the main character (protagonist) must be of noble birth or a member of a royal family. In addition to being of noble lineage, the protagonist must suffer from a fatal or tragic flaw. This flaw is not necessary a morale flaw, but rather a flaw that occurs as a consequence of one’s choices or actions. A tragic hero will evolve the feelings of pity or fear and cause the reader and audience to identify with the main character. And, finally, the audience or reader must experience “Catharsis”. Catharsis is a feeling of relieve that the main character had his come-uppance and was brought down. It is not a feeling of depression or sadness over the fate of the nobleman. Kennedy (pages 856-858). To elaborate, the nobleman must be of high estate that
According to Aristotle, Sophocles play, Oedipus, was the perfect tragedy. It contained the elements of a hero of noble birth or rank, a fall for the hero based on a “tragic flaw” and evoked pity for the main character, King Oedipus. This essay will attempt to reflect how Oedipus is a prime example of Aristotle’s tragic hero.
Thesis
Oedipus illustrates Aristotle’s definition of the tragic hero through the esteem of the king, the fatal flaw the brings about the fall of the kind and the pity the reader and audience feel for the character.
I. Introduction
II. Aristotle’s Tragic Hero
a. Rank in Society
b. Fatal / Tragic Flaw
c. Pity for Character
III. Oedipus as a Tragic Hero
a. King by birth and adoption
b. Short Tempered, Rash
c. Loss of everything
IV. Conclusion
a. Hamartia
b. Fatal Flaw
c. Catharsis
Aristotle has long been recognized for his contributions to many areas of society, from math and science to literature. It is claimed that Aristotle was racist, sexist and homophobic and that these views colored the way he saw the world (Engle, 2008). From some of these views, the tragic hero emerges. There are several key components to a Oedipushaving a tragic hero. The first is that the main character (protagonist) must be of noble birth or a member of a royal family. In addition to being of noble lineage, the protagonist must suffer from a fatal or tragic flaw. This flaw is not necessary a morale flaw, but rather a flaw that occurs as a consequence of one’s choices or actions. A tragic hero will evolve the feelings of pity or fear and cause the reader and audience to identify with the main character. And, finally, the audience or reader must experience “Catharsis”. Catharsis is a feeling of relieve that the main character had his come-uppance and was brought down. It is not a feeling of depression or sadness over the fate of the nobleman. Kennedy (pages 856-858). To elaborate, the nobleman must be of high estate that