Oedipus: A Tragic Hero Essay -- Oedipus Rex, Sophocles

Oedipus A Tragic Hero Oedipus Rex, or Oedipus the King is Sophocless first play of The Theban Cycle. It tells the story of a king that tries to escape his fate, but by doing so he only brings about his downfall. Oedipus is a classic example of the Aristotelian exposition of a tragic hero. Aristotle defines a tragic hero as a basically good and noble person who causes his own downfall due to a flaw in his character. Oedipus is a man of noble blood his parents, who raised him as a child, were King Polybus and Queen Merope of Corinth. Oedipus also becomes a king himself when he solves the Sphinxs riddle, thus saving Thebes and taking over the throne of the late King Laius. Oedipus then marries Jocasta, Laiuss widow, and they have children together. Though he is a very(prenominal) fair and understanding husband, Oedipuss main concern is always the city of Thebes. When a plague strikes the city, Oedipus refused sleep until he finds the cause, and he, sent Creon,To Delphi, Apol los place of revelation, To specify there, if he can, What act or pledge of mine may save the city (Sophocles 1257). Oedipus then vows to find who killed King Laius after Creon reveals that Laiuss death must(prenominal) be avenged so that the plague will be dispersed. Oedipus, a great and noble king was flawed by his hubris, or spiritual pride. Oedipus believes that he could avoid what the oracle told him long ago he would kill his father and then marry his mother. Instead of returning to his...