Oedipus can be described as a hero in Sophocles play, despite his grievous sins?

So pure hearted and genuine is Oedipus in Sophocles’ Ancient Greek tragedy, “King Oedipus”, that he expresses an unconditional commitment to locate and bring to justice the killer of the previous King of Thebes, Laius. Oedipus, a man struck with a curse when born, was destined to kill his father, Laius, and marry his mother Jocasta. Blind to the truth of his proper biological parents, Oedipus is led to face the unpalatable fact of his guilt in the death of Laius. Even though, Oedipus was oblivious to the truth of the connections between himself, Laius and Jocasta. The shocking revelations that reach him also destroy his life, as he is forced to uphold his commitment, as king of Thebes, and save his people at great personal expense.

Our first impression of Oedipus is of a ruler of integrity. He is so keen to know what troubles his subjects that he meets with them personally. He declines to discuss the matter with Creon in private, preferring to do so in front of his people. He ...