Oedipus the King

Which features of the genre “tragedy” do we find in Oedipus the king.

"Oedipus the King," also known as "Oedipus Rex," is a classical Greek tragedy written by the
playwright Sophocles. It contains several features typical of the tragedy genre, which is a genre
of drama that explores themes of suffering, fate, and the downfall of a tragic hero. Here are some
of the key features of the tragedy genre that are evident in "Oedipus the King":

1. Tragic Hero: Oedipus is the tragic hero of the play. He is a noble and virtuous character who
experiences a downfall due to a tragic flaw in his character. In Oedipus's case, his tragic flaw is
his hubris or excessive pride, which leads to his eventual downfall.

2. Hamartia: Hamartia refers to the tragic flaw or error in judgment that leads to the protagonist's
downfall. In Oedipus's case, his hamartia is his relentless pursuit of the truth, which ultimately
reveals his own guilt and leads to his suffering and ruin.

3. Hubris: Hubris is excessive pride and arrogance, often exhibited by the tragic hero. Oedipus
displays hubris when he tries to defy the prophecy of the Oracle at Delphi, believing that he can
escape his fate.

4. Catharsis: Tragedies aim to evoke emotions, particularly feelings of pity and fear, in the
audience. "Oedipus the King" achieves this by depicting the tragic downfall of Oedipus and the
suffering he endures, which elicits a sense of pity and fear in the audience. This emotional
release or catharsis is one of the main purposes of Greek tragedy.

5. Fate and Determinism: The concept of fate and the idea that one's destiny is preordained play a
significant role in the plot of "Oedipus the King." Oedipus's attempts to escape his fate only
serve to fulfill it, highlighting the theme of fate and determinism.

6. Chorus: Greek tragedies often include a chorus that serves as a group of characters who
provide commentary, insight, and moral guidance throughout the play. In "Oedipus the King,"
the chorus fulfills this role by offering reflections on the events and themes of the play.

7. Anagnorisis: Anagnorisis is the moment of realization or self-discovery by the tragic hero. In

Oedipus's case, this occurs when he finally recognizes the truth of his identity and the prophecy
that foretells his tragic fate.

8. Peripeteia: Peripeteia is a sudden reversal of fortune or a turning point in the plot. In "Oedipus
the King," this occurs when Oedipus discovers the truth about his past and realizes the extent of
his unwitting crimes.

These are some of the key features of the tragedy genre that are present in "Oedipus the King."
The play explores the themes of fate, suffering, and the consequences of one's actions, making it
a classic example of Greek tragedy.