Oedipus The King Essay

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Oedipus Rex Sophocles was one the most famous authors of his time and is best know for his playwright Oedipus the King. Sophocles is identified to be one of the three ancient Greek writers of tragedy and his play Oedipus the King is still recognized today. His popular illustrations show his readers that he is very creative in his plays and also very specific with his work, but most importantly he was able to create Oedipus, which exemplifies Aristotle’s definition of a tragic hero and a tragedy. This story is one of the most overwhelming plays because it is mainly centered around prophecies. Sophocles wrote this play about a king by the name of Oedipus who has fulfilled his prophecy of murdering his father and marrying his mother and although …show more content…

Sophocles play would fit the criteria of Aristotle’s definition of a tragedy and Oedipus fits the criteria of a tragic hero. Oedipus the King was written during the ancient era of Greece around the time of 430 B.C. and this era was mainly known for their prophecies, mythical creatures and plays, Sophocles was one of the authors of his time who was able to incorporate all of these things that ancient Greece was famous for and turn it into a production. An article titled “The Tragic Hero of the Classical Period” states, “Just as tragic heroes and heroines have been identified with different eras and cultures, the classical ideal of the tragic hero will be incomplete if the concept of tragedy is not focalized.” (Ahenkora, pg. 1). Sophocles made Oedipus the king of the city of Thebes, but the way that Oedipus became a king is the reason why Oedipus is the perfect example of a tragic hero. Oedipus was given a position of power within the play as the king of Thebes and was well liked by his city because he was an excellent ruler and also possessed the qualities of a leader by being a confident king, which was displayed from the very beginning of the play to the end; but he later becomes very sensitive when he

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