Oedipus The King Research Paper
THE GREEK THEATRE 2) Is Oedipus a Tragic Hero? Answer this question demonstrating specific understandings of the concepts of Tragedy and the Tragic Hero.
In the Greek play, "King Oedipus" written by Sophocles, certain characteristics, which determine the traits of a tragic hero, reveal themselves as the play unfolds. These traits enable readers to enjoy a more enhanced reading of the play and also serve to evoke a particular response from the reader. Readers acknowledge that King Oedipus is a tragic hero because he is he is an important and influential man. He isn't just looked up to because he's the king; he is genuinely admired and respected from the people of Thebes who come to seek comfort and advice from Oedipus, the "wisest in the ways of the gods." This is demonstrated in the opening of the play when King Oedipus appears and is concerned about what his' people are worried about. Readers acknowledge King Oedipus' …show more content…
But as the play progresses and readers are made aware that Oedipus was actually the murderer of his father, Laios, and that Oedipus married his mother not knowing. Readers therefore acknowledge that Oedipus has broken the most sacred of moral laws. Readers anticipate that some form of punishment will be in store for Oedipus whether it is death or exiled. Readers are aware that Oedipus may have human faults, but his failures will have far greater impact because he is the king so therefore readers respond in a sympathetic manner towards the character Oedipus. Even though he pursued knowing his birth readers feel pity towards him as they feel that it was Oedipus' choice to know the truth but his excessive pride got in the way and therefore he committed an error in judgement and must then suffer the consequences of his
In the Greek play, "King Oedipus" written by Sophocles, certain characteristics, which determine the traits of a tragic hero, reveal themselves as the play unfolds. These traits enable readers to enjoy a more enhanced reading of the play and also serve to evoke a particular response from the reader. Readers acknowledge that King Oedipus is a tragic hero because he is he is an important and influential man. He isn't just looked up to because he's the king; he is genuinely admired and respected from the people of Thebes who come to seek comfort and advice from Oedipus, the "wisest in the ways of the gods." This is demonstrated in the opening of the play when King Oedipus appears and is concerned about what his' people are worried about. Readers acknowledge King Oedipus' …show more content…
But as the play progresses and readers are made aware that Oedipus was actually the murderer of his father, Laios, and that Oedipus married his mother not knowing. Readers therefore acknowledge that Oedipus has broken the most sacred of moral laws. Readers anticipate that some form of punishment will be in store for Oedipus whether it is death or exiled. Readers are aware that Oedipus may have human faults, but his failures will have far greater impact because he is the king so therefore readers respond in a sympathetic manner towards the character Oedipus. Even though he pursued knowing his birth readers feel pity towards him as they feel that it was Oedipus' choice to know the truth but his excessive pride got in the way and therefore he committed an error in judgement and must then suffer the consequences of his