HomeQuestionsOedipus as a Tragic Hero in Sophocles’ Oedipus Rex | Oedipus Rex as a Tragic

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Oedipus as a Tragic Hero in Sophocles’ Oedipus Rex | Oedipus Rex as a Tragic Hero Question
Solved.

November 21, 2023

Oedipus as a Tragic Hero in Sophocles’ Oedipus Rex | Oedipus Rex as a Tragic Hero Question
Solved.

Introduction

Oedipus as a Tragic Hero

A tragic hero is someone important and well-known who makes big mistakes because of a big
problem in their character. When they understand and admit their mistakes, it's called catharsis,
and that's what makes them a tragic hero. Oedipus, who is smart and comes from a noble family,
is liked by people but also a bit proud. He becomes a tragic hero because he makes serious
mistakes.

Qualities in Oedipus King

Drama's Influence on Character, Fate, Timing, and Tragedy

The drama's qualities, unfolding character development, fate, timing, and tragedy. Sophocles
incorporates influences like fate, time, coincidence, and character flaws, use literary devices
such as dramatic irony, chorus, suspense, and more.

Sophocles' Celebrated Work

Sophocles, a renowned dramatist, gained acclaim for his celebrated work, particularly the drama
"Oedipus King."

Aristotle's Perspective on Tragic Heroes

Defining the Ideal Tragic Hero

Aristotle's viewpoint focus that a tragic hero must evoke pity or fear. The hero is not eminently
good and just; misfortune results from some error or frailty. Sophocles describes tragic heroes
as "deinos," signifying both wonderful and terrible.

Understanding the Tragic Hero

Characteristics and Downfall

A tragic hero, a virtuous character of high social standing, faces downfall with a realization of
errors too late. According to Aristotle's Poetics, the ideal tragic hero has a mix of good and bad
qualities, with the good predominating. Oedipus, a caring king, commits unforgivable errors due
to a quick, impulsive temper.

Victim of Fate and Timing

Oedipus becomes a victim of fate and timing, born in Thebes with a gruesome prophecy.
Attempts to thwart the prophecy ironically bring it to completion.

Oedipus's Actions and Hubris

Despite doing right things, Oedipus displays b by defying the gods, running from his parents, and
inadvertently fulfilling his fate. His arrogance leads to the killing of his father, Laius.

Fate, Timing, and Wisdom Interconnected

Fate and timing intertwine as Oedipus arrives in Thebes when his wisdom is needed. Saving the
city from the Sphinx, he becomes king with remarkable speed.

Determination, Obstinance, and Irony

Oedipus's determination to seek the truth, neglecting wise counsel, results in irony, especially in
the case of Tiresias, a blind seer.

Judgment, Self-Punishment, and Peripetia

Oedipus passes judgment on himself, banishing and blinding himself in a fit of rage. This
peripetia, a sudden reversal of fortune, is a form of self-punishment and escape.

Catharsis and Tragedy

Oedipus's realization leads to catharsis, an emotional cleansing and a call for pity. The chorus
pities him for unknowingly committing patricide and marrying his mother.

Concluding

Oedipus's self-assessment results in a lifetime of misery, shame, and exile. Jean Racine's quote
emphasizes that a tragedy need not have blood and death but should be filled with the majestic
sadness that is the pleasure of tragedy.