In most societies‚ there is one question that can provide clarity to people when a situation goes awry; guilty or innocent? When reading the play‚ Oedipus the King‚ written by the playwright Sophocles‚ there were many instances that could be used to declare Oedipus guilty or innocent. Oedipus is very much guilty because he should not have thought he had higher authority than the gods and he should not have insisted on continuing to look for the answers to all his questions. Sophocles did a fantastic
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they were born with a curse set upon their life? A man named Oedipus Rex is born in Thebes with a punitive curse in the form of a prophecy. No matter how hard or far he tries to run from this curse he cannot escape it and it will follow and harass him throughout his whole life. In Oedipus Rex by Sophocles Oedipus is a tragic hero because he is doomed from the start‚ he is very prideful‚ and he must suffer more than he deserves. Oedipus being doomed from the start proves that he is a tragic hero because
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Major Works Data Sheet Oedipus the King Title: ________________________________ Sophicles Author: ______________________________ Date of Publication: ____________________ Around 450 BC Tragic Drama/Theater Genre: _______________________________ Historical information about the setting The work was written around 450 BC‚ a time of high Greek culture where literature and drama were placed at the forefront of society. Sophocles was a key player in this movement‚ and his plays were performed
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makes a good ruler‚ a leader for their country? Is strength and a portrayal of protection all that matters‚ or is a good‚ capable ruler entitled to a few flaws and mistakes? If there were a situation where people were given the choice to vote for Oedipus or not as a leader for a country‚ I would vote against him. While he does in fact possess the skills and traits that would be well-suited in ruling a country‚ he has encountered many misfortunes and has shown some negative qualities that could cause
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inscribed. This is a classic example of irony because Oedipus’s main problems come from not knowing his true self. Oedipus runs away from Merope and Polybus when he finds out the prophecy only to see it fulfilled when he returns to his homeland of Thebes. Another problem Oedipus causes himself is not realizing that his tendency to act hotheaded will come back to haunt him. When Oedipus was born‚ there was a prophecy told to his parents that he would kill his father and marry his mother. Oedipus’s father
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tragic flaws that a character posse’s. Oedipus the almighty king of Thebes arrogant in his ways was awarded the throne after rescuing the people of Thebes from the sphinx. Although held in high reverence Oedipus downfall was alike to many other tragic heroes who fell from their powerful thrones due to the startling arrogance of their ways‚ also their absence of fear for the gods for these two reasons led to his heart wrenching demise. Unfortunately‚ Oedipus arrogance was one of the many reasons
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“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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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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