Oedipus The King: Examples Of Injustice

Oedipus Rex is an example of how a character reacts and understands justice in his time. Oedipus was the king of Thebes, so it is expected for him to be the one making important choices and justice. Oedipus demonstrates different responses to injustice, than expected. First of all, Oedipus does understand his place in the injustice that is happening. For example, Oedipus decides that the killer of Laius would have to be punished. Once Oedipus learns that he is the killer, he admits it and does not make any excuses to avoid the punishment. Oedipus was the king and he could have easily avoided his downfall, but he knew and understood that the injustice had to be paid for no matter what. The gods had made the injustice of making a prophecy where Oedipus would kill his own father. Oedipus had no idea he was adopted and when he learned this prophecy he tried to avoid it. On his way from escaping home, trying to fix the injustice of the gods, he kills his father. Oedipus learns what he had done once he was king and had no control over what had happened. When oedipus has to face his punishment of being the killer, he does not back away even though he was part of the injustice of the gods. Therefore, Oedipus understands and accepts
fail at searching for justice is what makes the play a tragedy. For example, had Oedipus fought for the injustice being made to him by the almighty gods, then maybe he could have avoided his downfall and the play would have described him as a strong and powerful king that overcomes his injustice and fate. If this had happened then the play would be inspiring, which would be the complete opposite of the initial intent. When Oedipus accepts all the punishments and injustices, then the play can focus only on how ironic it is that Oedipus was the killer after cursing and being so persistent on finding who the killer of Laius was. Therefore, Oedipus? unwillingness to fight for justice is important to the theme of the