Oedipus: A Tragic Hero Essay -- Oedipus Rex, Sophocles

Oedipus A Tragic Hero Oedipus Rex, or Oedipus the female monarch is Sophocless first play of The Theban Cycle. It tells the story of a pouf that tries to escape his fate, but by doing so he plainly brings about his downfall. Oedipus is a classic example of the Aristotelian definition of a tragic hero. Aristotle defines a tragic hero as a fundamentally good and noble person who causes his own downfall due to a flaw in his character. Oedipus is a man of noble blood his parents, who brocaded him as a child, were King Polybus and Queen Merope of Corinth. Oedipus also becomes a index himself when he solves the Sphinxs riddle, thus saving Thebes and taking over the grass of the late King Laius. Oedipus then marries Jocasta, Laiuss widow, and they have children together. Though he is a very fair and understanding husband, Oedipuss main doctor is always the city of Thebes. When a plague strikes the city, Oedipus refused sleep until he finds the cause, and he, displace Creon, To Delphi, Apollos place of revelation, To learn there, if he can, What act or stipulation of mine may save the city (Sophocles 1257). Oedipus then vows to find who killed King Laius after Creon reveals that Laiuss death must be avenged so that the plague will be dispersed. Oedipus, a great and noble king was flawed by his hubris, or spiritual pride. Oedipus believes that he could avoid what the prophet told him long ago he would kill his father and then adopt his mother. Instead of returning to his...