in "Oedipus Rex“ by Sophocles
OEDIPUS AS A TRAGIC HERO
INTRODUCTION TO GREEK
TRAGEDY
Definition of Greek tragedy
Greek tragedy is a dramatic genre that explores human suffering and complex moral
dilemmas.
Core Elements
Key elements include the tragic hero, hamartia (tragic flaw), peripeteia (reversal of
fortune), and catharsis (emotional release).
"Oedipus Rex" as a Key Example
"Oedipus Rex," written by Sophocles, is a quintessential example of Greek tragedy.
CHARACTERISTICS OF A TRAGIC
HERO
What Makes a Tragic Hero?
Noble Stature and Greatness and has Hamartia (Tragic Flaw)
A tragic hero is a noble character with a fatal flaw that leads to their downfall.
Evocation of Pity and Fear
They evoke both pity and fear in the audience.
Self-Discovery and Anagnorisis
Their journey often involves self-discovery and leads to a tragic realization (anagnorisis).
Bullet Points:
ARISTOTLE’S DEFINITION OF
TRAGEDY
Aristotle’s Poetics:
Aristotle’s "Poetics" outlines the principles of Greek tragedy, focusing on the tragic
hero, plot structure, and emotional impact.
Definition of Tragedy:
According to Aristotle, tragedy is "an imitation of an action that is serious, complete,
and of a certain magnitude; in language embellished with each kind of artistic
ornament."
Elements of Tragedy: Tragedy should evoke pity and fear, leading to catharsis, or
emotional purging, in the audience.
Hamartia: Central to Aristotle’s concept of the tragic hero is hamartia, often
translated as a tragic flaw or error in judgment, which leads to the hero's downfall.
OEDIPUS'S NOBLE STATURE
Birth and Early Life as a Prince
Oedipus's Noble Beginnings
Ascension to the Throne
Oedipus is born a prince of Thebes, later becoming king.
Reputation for Intelligence and Bravery
His intelligence and determination to save Thebes from the Sphinx earn him admiration.
His commitment to his people and city reflects his nobility and sense of duty.
OEDIPUS’S TRAGIC FLAWS/
THE HAMARTIA OF OEDIPUS
Hubris:
Excessive pride and self-confidence that blinds him to the truth.
Determination:
His relentless pursuit of truth, despite multiple warnings.
Impulsiveness and Anger:
Quick to anger and make decisions without full consideration.
HUBRIS AND ITS CONSEQUENCES
The Role of Hubris
Dismissing warnings
Oedipus's pride makes him dismiss warnings from prophets and others.
Belief in outsmarting fate
He believes he can outsmart fate and the gods.
Consequences of his investigation
His hubris leads to his relentless investigation, ultimately uncovering his tragic past.
THE PURSUIT OF TRUTH
Oedipus's Relentless Quest
Commitment to Justice
Oedipus's determination to find Laius’s murderer reflects his commitment to Thebes.
Irony of the Quest and Discovery of His Own Guilt
This quest is driven by his desire for justice and truth.
Ironically, this pursuit leads him to the devastating truth about himself.
IMPULSIVENESS AND RASH
DECISIONS
The Impulsiveness of Oedipus
Accusations without Evidence
Oedipus frequently makes rash decisions, such as accusing Creon without evidence.
Alienation of Allies
His impulsiveness alienates allies and escalates conflicts.
Escalation of Conflicts
These actions further entangle him in the prophecy’s web.
PERIPETEIA AND ANAGNORISIS
Reversal and Recognition
Peripeteia:
Oedipus's reversal of fortune from king to outcast.
Anagnorisis:
The moment of tragic realization when Oedipus discovers his true identity.
These elements highlight the inevitability of fate and the tragic consequences of his flaws.
CATHARSIS AND AUDIENCE
REACTION
Catharsis in Oedipus Rex
Catharsis:
Emotional release felt by the audience after witnessing Oedipus’s downfall.
Evocation of Pity and Fear
The play evokes pity for Oedipus's suffering and fear of similar fate.
Moral and Emotional Cleansing
It provides a moral and emotional cleansing for the audience.
CONCLUSION: OEDIPUS AS A
TRAGIC HERO
Recap of Oedipus's Characteristics
Oedipus exemplifies the tragic hero through his noble stature, tragic flaws, and
ultimate downfall.
Reflection on Greek Tragedy Conventions
His journey reflects the conventions of Greek tragedy, emphasizing fate, moral
lessons, and human vulnerability.
Enduring significance of "Oedipus Rex"
"Oedipus Rex" remains a powerful exploration of the human condition and the tragic
consequences of hubris and relentless pursuit of truth.
