Oedipus Arrogance Essay

Aristoteles’s “Theory of Tragedy” suggests that the tragic flaw in Sophocles’ play Oedipus is the King’s “self-destructive actions taken in blindness,” but a worse flaw if his arrogance. There are a few opposing views that stray from Oedipus being fully arrogant. First is that he took actions to save himself further pain. Second by putting himself in charge was the right thing to do as the leader of his people. Third Oedipus never tried to outwit the gods but used the prophecy as a warning to leave Corinth. All three opposing arguments shows a different side of Oedipus other than that of arrogance. Oedipus’s actions were that of comfort not arrogance that lead him to blind himself and leave in exodus. Oedipus’s main intentions were to prevent himself the pain of sight. “I do not know how I could bear the sight… Of my father, when I came to the house of death” (Sophocles, Exodos 143-44). He was so afraid of the pain and sadness of seeing all those he hurt that he cared dearly about. To Oedipus not only was it just punishment for his crimes it also helped him get over knowing what he has done. Even though this is true of the reasons Oedipus gives, arrogance played an overwhelming role. His self-importance lead him to make a rash decision to blind
Throughout Oedipus the King by Sophocles, Oedipus’ arrogance comes out again and again. The first sign of arrogance his him running away from his parents that he knows might not be his true parents. This leads him to Thebes where is arrogance is seen by the city. Not only did he take full control of the investigation even the parts where he had help by over ridding them; he also carried out his own punishment he deemed fit. The blindness of Oedipus was truly caused by his arrogant self-important view on