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 his work
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marriage may spring to mind. The Greek tragedy Agamemnon may find its hamartia in the prelude to the Trojan War when Agamemnon sacrifices his own daughter to secure a victorious war abroad or the past offenses of his family towards Aegisthus’ family. Sophocles’ brilliant tragedy Oedipus Rex‚ however‚ seems to be an exception to this rule. Many claim that pride or birth is the hero Oedipus’ failing‚ but it is not so easy to discover‚ as there is no single action that causes his downfall. In her article
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Sophocles intentionally gives certain flaws in character type to Oedipus‚ he intends a downfall. That is the purpose of all ancient Greek drama: it is meant as a dramatic reminder of their mortality. Sophocles uses his plays in order to force people to learn at others mistakes. Oedipus tragic flaw brought about his demise. Three examples of this is his youthful pride‚ his argument with Tiresias and his argument with Creon. Oedipus acting with such pride in his accomplishments ended up being his
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city near Athens. There‚ Oedipus and his daughter‚ Antigone‚ have an unlikely encounter with some strangers. She requests for them to guide her father‚ she asks for them to “..pity her at least... grant [them] the help they never dreamed to see!”(Sophocles 255‚263). This is an obvious plea for help‚ Antigone unleashes
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of a Tragic Hero To be a tragic hero‚ the character must show a great strength of heroism‚ including a vulnerability‚ that could lead to his or her demise. Sophocles‚ the great ancient playwright of the Greek Empire was as popular then as he is today. Antigone‚ one of his many plays‚ is still appreciated in modern day literature. Sophocles’ main characters Antigone and Creon are both similar and diverse in which they could qualify as tragic heroes. Antigone and Creon have very many similar traits
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William Shakespeare’s play Hamlet is very similar to Sophocles’ “Antigone” but they have key differences. The Parados in Antigone is entirely revolved around the dominance of man and contains many metaphors. He writes “...and his blunt yoke has broken The sultry shoulders of a mountain bull” (Parados 11-12). It’s saying that a bull is a tough animal but a man is tougher. Act II of Hamlet says that a man is very angelic in what he does. It reads “In form and moving how express and admirable! In action
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argument after she is discovered burying Polyneices. Antigone stays calm during the situation‚ while Creon slowly starts to lose his temper. Creon ends the argument when he says “Go join them‚ then; if you must have your love‚ / Find it in hell!” (Sophocles‚ 2.419-420). This is an example of how Creon can easily lose his patience and doesn’t know how to intelligently handle an argument. Although Antigone is a teenage girl‚ she is more emotionally stable than an adult male. This proves to be Antigone’s
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tragic hero in a Greek drama must meet certain requirements. The tragic hero must be of noble birth‚ be basically good‚ must have a tragic flaw‚ and must have a moment of realization at some point in the work. Although Antigone is the namesake of the Sophocles play and is a hero in her own right‚ she is not a tragic hero. Creon is the true tragic hero of Antigone in the traditional sense of the term. Both Antigone and Creon were born of noble blood as they are members of the same family. However‚ Antigone
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Does character determine fate‚ or is fate responsible for shaping one’s character? In Sophocles’ dramatic tragedy‚ Oedipus Rex‚ character plays a very important role in determining the protagonist’s fate. The extent to which this occurs is difficult to conclude‚ for during the play it seems character isn’t the only factor that led to the final result. Although character can be influenced by external circumstances‚ a situation’s outcome will be arrived to as a result of the decisions an individual’s
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Merriam Webster defines justice as the principle or ideal of just dealing or right action. Humans believe that they should have the right to justice‚ fairness and proper treatment. A common theme found in much of the Greek literature we’ve read over the course of this semester is the seeking of justice by many characters in an attempt to procure the vengeance they believe they deserve. When these characters feel wronged‚ they believe that it is up to them to acquire their own justice by any means
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