Oedipus The King Research Paper

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Oedipus the King is one of the most famous examples of a classic tragedy. At the center of this play, like other Greek tragedies, is the idea that all humans are subject to fate and that no one has the power to change his or her fate. This is the case with the protagonist of this play, Oedipus. Although he has learned from the oracle what his fate is, his victory over the Sphinx and his rise to power in Thebes has led him to believe that he can overcome his supposed fate. Also, his experiences have led him to distrust those capable of telling him the truth about his fate, specifically the oracles and prophets. This paper presents Oedipus as a tragic hero whose flaw is an excessive pride that leads him to overestimate his power. It will show how his …show more content…

He was a blind, blunt, and indecisive prophet. He came to acknowledge the recent death of the King, yet he wanted to stay out of all the commotion even though he knows the truth. Oedipus is persistent and knows he's a prophet and knows he's the only one who can find the killer. Tiresias refuses the first time and the he tells Oedipus is that he is the killer he is looking for and the murder of Laius will turn out to be both father and brother to his own children and son of his own wife. Even though he is blind, he can see better then anyone else around him. Oedipus does not believe him and neither does his new wife Jocasta, yet Teiresias is confident that fate will play its self out. Teiresias starts by saying “Well, it will come what will, though I be mute.” Then Oedipus responds with “Since come it must, thy duty is to tell me.” Teiresias said “I have no more to say; storm as thou willst, and give the rein to all thy pent-up rage.” They choose what to believe, but this does not worry Tiresias because he knows that fate will always win. Oedipus happens to be hypocritical in more ways then one which eventually leads to his downfall as a tragic

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