Oedipus The King Briony Quotes

Sophocles's Oedipus Rex: Character and Destiny

In a feature in a Texas newspaper feature named “What They’re Saying”, Frank Outlaw coined a famous quote, saying “Watch your thoughts, they become words; watch your words, they become actions; watch your actions, they become habits; watch your habits, they become character; watch your character, for it becomes your destiny.” Character is defined by Merriam- Webster as the way someone thinks, feels and behaves. A less popular definition of character is the way in which an individual reacts to situations that don't go their way. In Sophocle’s Oedipus Rex, Oedipus’ character is tested when he receives prophecy from an oracle depicting him killing his father and marrying his mother. However, instead

Atonement by Ian Mcewan is another story in which the idea of character is an underlying theme. Robbie has his whole world turned around one day due to the actions of Briony. The whole Tallis house turns on him and it doesn't help that even Robbie’s social class is against him. In contrast to Oedipus, Robbie shows very strong character. While in jail and on the battlefield, Robbie keeps his end goal of one day reuniting with Cecilia in the back of his mind; letting it drive him and motivate up until the day of his death. Although Robbie never reunited with Cecilia , when everything in his life turned against him, Robbie attacked his problems head on. Oedipus however, fled from the negative prophecies and thus created more problems for himself. Sophocle amphitheater quote*. In Oedipus Rex, Sophocles uses Oedipus’ weak character to

Here, Oedipus was at the top of the social spectrum and likely had a pleasant childhood living in the palace. With the expectation of one day being King, Oedipus grew up with a sense of power and importance. In addition, growing up as the son of a King, Oedipus likely did not face much adversity growing up. Considering all of these components, it is no surprise that when Oedipus is initially faced with any adversity, he handles it very poorly. The first example of adversity that Oedipus faces is through an Oracle of Apollo. This oracle showed Oedipus a prophecy portraying him killing his father and marrying his mother. Instead of facing his problem and attempting to solve it, Oedipus runs “I heard all that and ran. I abandoned Corinth, from that day on I gauged its landfall only by the stars, running, always running toward some place where I would never see the shame of all those oracles come true” (Sophocles 880). If Oedipus had a different upbringing, there is a chance that Oedipus would have the experience to deal with a problem like this. Unfortunately, Oedipus’ poor character shows and he flees. With the Use of Irony, Sophocles shows that as Oedipus attempts to run away from the prophecy, the prophecy iscompleted. On his way out of Corinth, an enraged Oedipus meets a group of travelers that attempt to push Oedipus off the road. Unable to control his rage, Oedipus reacts hastily “I strike