Characteristics of Oedipus in "Oedipus The King"

From the moment Oedipus steps onto the stage in Sophocles' play "Oedipus the King," it's clear he has a bunch of unique traits that shape his whole journey. Oedipus is a complicated guy with both great and not-so-great qualities, which eventually lead to his downfall. This essay’s gonna look at different parts of Oedipus's character, like his smarts, determination, pride, and that one fatal flaw he’s got. By looking at these traits, we can get a better idea of Oedipus as the main character and tragic hero of the play.

Thesis statement: Oedipus in "Oedipus the King" shows off some good qualities like intelligence and determination, but his big ego and tragic flaw end up bringing him down.

Intelligence

One of the biggest things about Oedipus is his smarts. He shows this when he solves the riddle of the Sphinx. Oedipus's quick thinking and smart mind save Thebes from the Sphinx’s tyranny. His intelligence is clear again when he figures out King Laius’s murder, even though others couldn’t. Aristotle says a tragic hero should have noble qualities, and Oedipus’s intelligence fits this. His smarts aren’t just admirable; they’re key to moving the story along.

But Oedipus's intelligence also helps bring him down. His drive to find the truth, spurred by his smarts, makes him blind to the consequences. He gets obsessed with finding King Laius’s killer, not knowing he’s actually the one who did it. This obsession leads to his tragic end, as he discovers the awful truth about himself and does terrible things.

Determination

Another thing about Oedipus is his stubborn determination. Throughout the play, he’s relentless in his hunt for the truth and won’t give up, no matter what. His determination shows in how he deals with Tiresias, the blind prophet. Oedipus keeps pushing Tiresias to spill the truth, despite Tiresias not wanting to. Oedipus’s determination is pretty impressive, showing his strength and resilience when things get tough.

But this determination can also be a flaw. He refuses to see that he might not know everything and insists on chasing the truth no matter the cost. This stubbornness makes him ignore others' advice, leading him to make quick decisions that seal his tragic fate. This flaw comes from his big ego, which we’ll talk about next.

Hubris

Oedipus’s hubris, or big pride, is a key part of his character that affects his actions in the play. Oedipus thinks he’s a great and powerful ruler who can solve any problem. This arrogance shows in how he talks to others, often ignoring advice and warnings. His pride is clear when he accuses Tiresias of being involved in King Laius’s murder. Oedipus’s pride blinds him to the truth and keeps him from seeing his own guilt.

Oedipus’s hubris isn’t just a character flaw; it’s also a main theme in the play. Sophocles uses Oedipus’s pride to highlight the idea of fate and human limitations. Oedipus’s belief in his abilities and his refusal to accept his fate lead to his downfall, showing that even the most powerful people have to deal with destiny.

In conclusion, Oedipus in "Oedipus the King" has a mix of traits that make his journey both complex and tragic. His smarts and determination are admirable and push the plot forward, showing his strength. However, his big pride and fatal flaw lead to his downfall, showcasing the dangers of hubris. By looking at these traits, we understand Oedipus better as the main character and tragic hero of the play. Oedipus serves as a warning about the dangers of too much pride and the consequences of our actions.

Bibliography:
Sophocles. "Oedipus the King." Translated by Robert Fagles, Penguin Classics, 1984.