The Greek Tragedy of Oedipus the King - 971 Words

A Greek tragedy is one with a tragic outcome that is an inevitable result of the key characters personal flaws. It is a calamity he or she was destined to. However, is it possible that a hero’s laudable qualities could lead to his or her catastrophic fate? Oedipus demonstrates several admirable qualities that are portrayed throughout Oedipus the King by Sophocles. Compassion, diligence, and justness are three qualities that contribute to the internal struggles that Oedipus faces resulting in his appalling downfall. Taking a deeper look into understanding these virtuous qualities will depict how it led to Oedipus’s horrendous demise. Firstly, it is shocking to hear that having compassion for others could be negative. In fact for Oedipus,†¦show more content†¦He identifies with how profoundly distraught the city of Thebes is, and yearns to bring substantially more suffering onto whomever committed such a horrendous act. Oedipus wants the murderer to â€Å"drag out / his life in agony, step by painful step† (282-283). Immense irony is seen during these passages of condemning since at this point in the drama, Oedipus is unaware that he is only afflicting himself. However, his desire for justice continues. In lines 313-314, Oedipus announces his yearning for equality when he states, â€Å"may our champion, Justice†¦ / fight beside us to the end!† It is clear that Oedipus portrays justness early on in his search for resolution of the plague, but his justness will only come to harm him in future events. Moreover, his demand for justice does not cease when he learns that he is the curse. Out of habit, it is easy to assume that Oedipus would do everything in his power to not be blamed for the death of Laius. Conversely, once he fully comprehends the reality, Oedipus punishes himself in a justly matter by removing his own eyes. Oedipus states that, â€Å"how could I look my father in the eyes / when I go down to death?† ( 1502-1503). Oedipus desire for justice is so enormous that instead of taking an easy way out by killing himself, Oedipus blinds himself from the world, because he believes that there is shame in keeping his eyes, and that he has committed â€Å"crimes toShow MoreRelatedOedipus Tyrannus, A Tragic Hero. Summary: . Context. Oedipus1391 Words   |  6 PagesOedipus Tyrannus, a Tragic Hero Summary: Context Oedipus Tyrannus is a Greek tragedy that was first performed as a play in 429 BCE. The setting of the play is in Thebes, one of Greece’s city states that is suffering from a tragic plague. King Oedipus’s brother in-law; Creon, reports back from the oracle of Apollo that the plague would only be lifted if the murderer of his predecessor; King Laius, is found and brought to justice. 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