Analysis Of Sophocles Oedipus Rex As A Tragic Hero

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During the Classic Greek era, dramas were the most important form of entertainment which included three genres: comedy, satyr, and the most significant of all, tragedy. The genre of tragedy was important to the Greek because is allowed the citizens to purge or to commit catharsis (Class Dis.). The popular and well known play, Oedipus Rex is an example of a tragedy that evokes emotion by following the trials and triumphs of a tragic hero. In Sophocles’ Oedipus Rex, Oedipus’ fate, hubris, and failure to acknowledge his identity led to his ultimate downfall as a tragic hero.
Oedipus grew up knowing his parents to be the King Ploybus and Queen Merope of Corinth. Once learning his fate that Oedipus is to kill his father and marry his mother, Oedipus …show more content…

Oedipus is the tragic hero of the drama; this is known by Oedipus hubris and fate. Oedipus sees himself as equal to or better than the Gods for the ability to save Thebes from the Sphinx and be looked up to by the citizens of the city. Oedipus hubris is seen in the opening lines of Oedipus Rex, “I Oedipus whom all men call the Great” (1564,7). Oedipus allows his pride and ignorance grow and ignore his fate that has led Thebes into turmoil and killed his own father. Oedipus also believed that he could change is fate by leaving the city of Corinth without knowing that the full story of his prophecy, which included Oedipus being sent off at birth to die. Jocasta, the widow of Laius and wife of Oedipus, is a poor leader for the city of Thebes. According to Aristotle’s politics state that a “correct regimes are those that look to the common good” (Class Dis.). Jocasta took it upon herself to learn Oedipus true identity, and to keep Oedipus from knowing and believing this true identity, allowing the city of Thebes to remain in chaos for the love she had for her son/husband. The character Creon, presents character traits opposite to Oedipus, a foil character. Whereas Oedipus acts on impulse, Creon is responsible and loyal, as shown in the following

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