“Not knowing information that causes [one] pain and leaves [one] worse off is more pleasant than knowing that information” (Paul Hudson). Oedipus Rex‚ a classic Greek tragedy by Sophocles‚ tells of King Oedipus and the consequences of a curious mind. Throughout the play‚ Oedipus gains more knowledge of his heritage‚ causing trouble for himself and his peers. Rather than pursuing justification‚ remaining unaware of sufferings and tragedies allows one to live more peacefully. Blissful incognizance
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Theban Trilogy. "The unexamined life is not worth living‚" proclaims Socrates. He could have meant many things by this statement‚ and in relation to the play‚ the meaning is found to be even more complex. Indeed‚ the situation of Oedipus‚ king of Thebes‚ the truth of this statement is in question. Would Oedipus have been better off if he was blind to the knowledge of his birthing and the fate which was foretold to someday befall him? Truly though‚ his life would have been a far better and easier path
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Through analysis on the play Oedipus Rex by Sophocles‚ I found that my understanding was deepened by my knowledge of major themes shown through Sophocles’ use of symbolism‚ paradox‚ and setting. This led to a deeper understanding regarding existentialism and man’s pursuit for knowledge itself. During a discussion on symbolism‚ Oedipus’ fate was linked to a quote by Randy Pausch: “We cannot change the cards we are dealt‚ only how we play the hand.” One of the themes Sophocles makes prevalent throughout
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Throughout the Oedipus trilogy by Sophocles‚ the Greek concept of hubris is a prominent cause of the constant disastrous results. Most characters who show great pride and self-confidence have disastrous consequences. The character most represented by this shortcoming is none other than Oedipus. Oedipus constantly shows his weakness of excessive pride. After learning about the prophecy‚ Oedipus ran away from his foster parents [believing they are his real parents] so he wouldn’t fulfil the prophecy
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Though Oedipus’ decisions are often driven by self-interest‚ he ultimately is devoted to the people of Thebes and values their well being more than his own. His commitment to his citizens can be seen in various instances. The first is during a series of unfortunate events that torments the city‚ the root of it being a plague. Seeking help from their king‚ the Thebans turn to Oedipus for help. In hopes of eliminating the plague‚ he attempts to fulfill Apollo’s commands for the murderer of Laios to
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It seems as if only the gods could be blamed for the tragic ending of Sophocles’ Oedipus the King. How could one not blame them‚ for they placed a prophecy on the king‚ his wife and their son‚ sending them to their dreadful doom. Perhaps there is more to be seen in this famous Greek tragedy. Perhaps the blame does not belong completely to the gods‚ but to the victims of the prophecy. Sophocles exemplifies this throughout the play using methods of symbolism‚ actions and words. From the get go of
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Me!!! Oedipus is a very complex character. He can be viewed as either caring and sympathetic to his subjects or he can be viewed as a self-centered ruler who only puts on an act in hopes of gaining the adoration of his subjects. Oedipus Rex in fact was a very prideful king. This was proven in many of his speeches. For instances in scene one‚ line 180‚ in scene two‚ line 280‚ and finally scene 3‚line 148 all prove that Oedipus is a self-centered king. In scene one‚ line 180 Oedipus says "the
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Liu 1 Jacqueline Liu Professor Grosshans Engl 120-03 Spring 26 April 2012 Oedipus: The King of Guilt It’s amazing how guilt‚ a simple human emotion‚ can be the driving force of all human conflict. But what is even more impressive is how far we will go to protect ourselves from the pain associated with that guilt. The number one defense mechanism in this kind of situation is denial and by denying responsibility for our actions we in turn rid ourselves of guilt. We don’t like to feel as though we
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that is associated with impending doom. One such example is found in the tale of Oedipus Rex‚ the tragic hero of Thebes who is destined to kill his father and marry his mother. Oedipus learns that in attempting to run away from the prophecy‚ he fulfills it instead. After blinding himself in shame‚ Oedipus bemoans to his friends that “my measure of ills fills my measure of woe; Author was none‚ but I” (Sophocles 47). Oedipus laments the fact that he was the one who authored his fate as he tried to run
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Equity ought to be given to the individuals who are decently or humble‚ in any case‚ in "Oedipus the King" that was lamentably not the situation. He was a man true to his word. Carried his intellect with extravagant honor‚ yet he was dejectedly destined to great errors by the Gods. He wanted to look for who killed Laius‚ respectively‚ but it was himself unknowingly. Making the justice he should have received utterly forgotten. From the get go he tried his best to protect his parents’ and himself
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