Oedipus

Discuss why Oedipus is a tragedy (i.e. its elements)

Themes in the novel include
„X Blindness versus sight,
„X Knowledge through suffering
„X Man does not control his own destiny/fateOedipus as a tragic hero.
„X Pride arrogance (characteristics)

Oedipus is seen as a tragic hero in the play, a principal character, in a position of social importance being the King of Thebes. His downfall is the result of incidents beyond his control, and is rather the result of fate. In Oedipus Rex, it is not so much a hamartia that leads to his downfall, but more the role played by fate and destiny. His characteristic flaws of pride and arrogance don¡¦t so much contribute to his downfall, but play more the role of hastening it. From birth, a prophecy existed that he would kill his father and marry his mother, and so his downfall seems inevitable. When Oedipus at a party hears that he may not be his fathers son, he yearns to know more. He finally hears ¡§a tale of...