Is Oedipus Rex A High Minded Man?
Martin 1
Olivia Martin
Mr. Lillie
Humanities A/ Period 2
11 October, 2014
Does Oedipus fit the qualities of a highminded man?
In Greek society entertainment, like the theatre, was an enormous part of many lives.
Theatre represented a culture and values found in Greek society. Theatre was also a way for many different of people to enjoy similar things, despite being from different classes.
Oedipus
Rex was one of the major plays shown in Greek society. Sophocles’ Oedipus Rex tells the hardship of a man named Oedipus, the King of Thebes, and his conquest to defy his destiny. Yet despite his hardship, he still represents some of the qualities Aristotle describes in the literary work, “A High Minded Man”. The qualities that Oedipus possess include truth and honour, yet he lacks the mighty, powerful gait of a highminded man.
Aristotle writes that a highminded man favors knowing the truth, despite contrasting opinions. “he must care for truth more than for what men will think of him, and speak and act openly; he will not hesitate to say all he thinks” (Witt, 160). This quality shows that highminded man is not persuaded by others and sticks by his own thoughts and opinions. Oedipus shows that represents this quality while he is arguing with Kreon.
“Tell me, in God’s name: am I coward, a fool That you should dream you should accomplish this? A fool who could not see your slippery game? A coward not to fight back when I saw it? You are the fool, Kreon, are you not? hoping Without supporting or friends to get a throne? Thrones may be won or bought: you could do neither” (Witt, 116).
Martin 2
In this passage, Oedipus is questioning Kreon and his plan to murder the King of Thebes.
Oedipus is convinced that Kreon plans to murder him, so he
Olivia Martin
Mr. Lillie
Humanities A/ Period 2
11 October, 2014
Does Oedipus fit the qualities of a highminded man?
In Greek society entertainment, like the theatre, was an enormous part of many lives.
Theatre represented a culture and values found in Greek society. Theatre was also a way for many different of people to enjoy similar things, despite being from different classes.
Oedipus
Rex was one of the major plays shown in Greek society. Sophocles’ Oedipus Rex tells the hardship of a man named Oedipus, the King of Thebes, and his conquest to defy his destiny. Yet despite his hardship, he still represents some of the qualities Aristotle describes in the literary work, “A High Minded Man”. The qualities that Oedipus possess include truth and honour, yet he lacks the mighty, powerful gait of a highminded man.
Aristotle writes that a highminded man favors knowing the truth, despite contrasting opinions. “he must care for truth more than for what men will think of him, and speak and act openly; he will not hesitate to say all he thinks” (Witt, 160). This quality shows that highminded man is not persuaded by others and sticks by his own thoughts and opinions. Oedipus shows that represents this quality while he is arguing with Kreon.
“Tell me, in God’s name: am I coward, a fool That you should dream you should accomplish this? A fool who could not see your slippery game? A coward not to fight back when I saw it? You are the fool, Kreon, are you not? hoping Without supporting or friends to get a throne? Thrones may be won or bought: you could do neither” (Witt, 116).
Martin 2
In this passage, Oedipus is questioning Kreon and his plan to murder the King of Thebes.
Oedipus is convinced that Kreon plans to murder him, so he