Opedipus, a tragic hero
Outline
Thesis Statement: Oedipus is the embodiment of Aristotle’s characterization of a tragic hero through his ability to preserve his virtue and wisdom, despite his flaws and predicament.
Introduction
I. Sophocles’ Oedipus: A Tragic Hero A. Definition of a tragic hero B. Oedipus Character as it relates
II. Tragedy A. Language of Tragedy B. Tragedy as it affects the audience
III. Plot A. Aristotle’s idea of a tragic plot B. Significance of the plot
IV. Virtue and Morality A. Identifying with Oedipus’ character B. Oedipus obtains virtue and wisdom through poor judgment
Conclusion
Oedipus, a Tragic Hero
Sophocles’ Oedipus is one of the most well-known tragic heroes in the history of drama. His strange fate leads him to tragic downfall that leaves both the reader and the audience feeling emotionally affected. According to the definition of the Greek philosopher, Aristotle, Oedipus’ troublesome story qualifies him as a tragic hero. Oedipus is the embodiment of Aristotle’s characterization of a tragic hero through his ability to preserve his virtue and wisdom, despite his flaws and predicament. The Aristotelian view of a tragic hero does not expose the lack of morality or even the wickedness of the protagonist, based on an error of judgment. The tragedy and drama so perfectly fit the Aristotelian characteristics of Oedipus.
Considering Aristotle’s definition of a tragic hero, it can be found that Oedipus fits the character description seamlessly through various traits that he displays and the origin of his tragic fall:
There remains then the man who occupies the mean between saintliness and depravity. He is not extra-ordinary in virtue and righteousness and yet does not fall into bad fortune because of evil and wickedness but because of some hamartia of a kind found in men of high reputation and good fortune such as Oedipus and Thyestes and famous men of similar families (Adade-Yeboah, Ahenkora,& Amankwa, 2012, pg. 2).
Thesis Statement: Oedipus is the embodiment of Aristotle’s characterization of a tragic hero through his ability to preserve his virtue and wisdom, despite his flaws and predicament.
Introduction
I. Sophocles’ Oedipus: A Tragic Hero A. Definition of a tragic hero B. Oedipus Character as it relates
II. Tragedy A. Language of Tragedy B. Tragedy as it affects the audience
III. Plot A. Aristotle’s idea of a tragic plot B. Significance of the plot
IV. Virtue and Morality A. Identifying with Oedipus’ character B. Oedipus obtains virtue and wisdom through poor judgment
Conclusion
Oedipus, a Tragic Hero
Sophocles’ Oedipus is one of the most well-known tragic heroes in the history of drama. His strange fate leads him to tragic downfall that leaves both the reader and the audience feeling emotionally affected. According to the definition of the Greek philosopher, Aristotle, Oedipus’ troublesome story qualifies him as a tragic hero. Oedipus is the embodiment of Aristotle’s characterization of a tragic hero through his ability to preserve his virtue and wisdom, despite his flaws and predicament. The Aristotelian view of a tragic hero does not expose the lack of morality or even the wickedness of the protagonist, based on an error of judgment. The tragedy and drama so perfectly fit the Aristotelian characteristics of Oedipus.
Considering Aristotle’s definition of a tragic hero, it can be found that Oedipus fits the character description seamlessly through various traits that he displays and the origin of his tragic fall:
There remains then the man who occupies the mean between saintliness and depravity. He is not extra-ordinary in virtue and righteousness and yet does not fall into bad fortune because of evil and wickedness but because of some hamartia of a kind found in men of high reputation and good fortune such as Oedipus and Thyestes and famous men of similar families (Adade-Yeboah, Ahenkora,& Amankwa, 2012, pg. 2).
References: Adade-Yeboah, Asuamah, Kwaku Ahenkora & Adwoah S. Amankwah. (2012), “The Tragic Hero of the Classical Period”, English Language and Literature Studies, 2 (3), 10-19 Scheepers, (2005), “Fate and divine working in Sophocles’ Oedipus Rex”, Casa Essay, Classical Culture 2, University of South Africa, Akroterion, 50, 137-144 Finkelberg, Margalit, (2006), “Aristotle and episodic tragedy”, The classical Association, 5 (1), 60-74 Gillett, Grant & Robin Hankey, (2005), “Oedipus the King: Temperament, Character, and Virtue” Philosophy and Literature, 29 (2), 269-285 Konstan, David. (1999), “The Tragic Emotions. Comparative Drama”, 33 (1), 1-21. Retrieved from http://www.liberty.edu/index.cfm?PID=178 McManus, Barbara, (1999), “Outline of Aristotle’s Theory of Tragedy in the POETICS”, Retrieved from http://www2.cnr.edu/home/bmcmanus/poetics.html