Oedipus The King: Analysis of Tragic Hero and Themes

The play "Oedipus the King" is a tragedy written by Sophocles around 429 BC. The play tells the story of Oedipus, the King of Thebes, who unwittingly fulfills a prophecy that he would kill his father and marry his mother. The play explores themes of fate and free will, blindness, and knowledge vs. ignorance, making it a relevant piece of literature even today.

Background Information

Greek tragedy was a form of theatre that originated in ancient Greece. It included a chorus and usually dealt with serious themes, such as the consequences of human passions or the conflict between individual will and fate. "Oedipus the King" is one of the most famous tragedies in Greek literature and was written during a time in which Athens was experiencing a period of great intellectual and artistic achievement.

The play is set in the city of Thebes, which was enduring a terrible plague. Oedipus, who had previously saved the city from the Sphinx, was returned as a hero to help find the source of the plague. Throughout the play, there are various significant characters, such as Oedipus the King, Jocasta his wife and mother, Teiresias the blind prophet, Creon Jocasta's brother, and the Chorus of Theban Elders.

Analysis of the Tragic Hero

A tragic hero is a literary character who makes a judgment error that inevitably leads to their own destruction. They are usually of noble birth and high status, suffer a reversal of fortune due to their tragic flaw, and evoke feelings of pity and fear in the audience.

Oedipus fits the definition of a tragic hero, as he is born into nobility and is highly respected by his people. His tragic flaw is his excessive pride and arrogance, which leads him to ignore the warnings of fate and make decisions that ultimately lead to his downfall. His reversal of fortune comes when he discovers the truth about his identity and is forced to leave Thebes, blinded and alone.

The audience experiences catharsis through Oedipus' downfall, as they are able to empathize with the character and understand the fatal consequences of human error and hubris.

Examination of Fate and Free Will

The play explores the interplay between fate and free will. The oracles' prophecies play a significant role in guiding the plot, as Oedipus' attempts to avoid his fate only lead him closer towards it. The play also suggests that certain events are predetermined and beyond human control. For example, Oedipus' biological parents, Laius and Jocasta, tried to cheat fate by leaving Oedipus to die; however, their actions only facilitated the fulfillment of the prophecy.

Oedipus' attempt to defy his fate ultimately leads to his downfall. He believes that he can change his destiny through his own actions, but instead, he unknowingly fulfills the prophecy through his pursuit of the truth. The play therefore questions the extent to which humans can control their own destiny.

Exploration of the Theme of Blindness

The theme of blindness has a literal and metaphorical meaning throughout the play. Oedipus' physical blindness, caused by his own hand, is a punishment for his pride and arrogance. The play shows that physical blindness does not necessarily equate to ignorance, as Teiresias, the blind prophet, is able to see the truth of Oedipus' identity.

Oedipus also experiences figurative blindness to the truth of his own identity. He is unable to acknowledge that he murdered his father and married his mother until it is too late, despite warnings from those around him.

Examination of the Themes of Knowledge and Ignorance

Oedipus' pursuit of knowledge and truth is a major theme in the play. He is determined to uncover the source of the plague and the truth of his identity, but his relentless pursuit results in his ultimate demise. The play suggests that there are limitations to human knowledge and that some truths are better left undiscovered.

At the end of the play, Oedipus realizes his own ignorance and limitations and accepts his punishment. The play shows the destructive nature of excessive pride and reinforces the importance of humility and self-awareness.

Conclusion

In conclusion, "Oedipus the King" is a timeless piece of literature that explores universal themes such as fate and free will, blindness, and knowledge vs. ignorance. The play tells the story of a tragic hero, Oedipus, whose fatal flaw ultimately leads to his downfall. The interplay between fate and free will in the play raises questions about the extent to which humans can control their own destiny.

The theme of blindness is explored through Oedipus' physical and figurative blindness, while the theme of knowledge and ignorance reinforces the importance of humility and self-awareness. Ultimately, the play serves as a reminder of the destructive nature of excessive pride and the importance of respecting the limits of human knowledge.

1. Sophocles. Oedipus the King. Penguin Classics, 1967.
2. McAuley, Karen. “Themes in Greek Tragedy: Oedipus the King.” English Tutor, 11 Mar. 2021, englishtutorlessons.com/gcse/greek-myths-and-tragedies/oedipus-the-king/.
3. Segal, Charles. “Sophocles' Oedipus the King and Freud's Oedipus Complex.” International Journal of Psychoanalysis, vol. 70, no. 1, 1989, pp. 1–13.