Oedipus 2
Oedipus 2Man is composed of many different characteristics: some may be a positive influence on his personage, while others have obvious negative impacts. Yet, sometimes a potentially positive characteristic may cause his eventual downfall. This concept can be directly related to the story of Oedipus. Aristotle stated, “the tragic hero falls into bad fortune because of some flaw in his character of the kind found in men of high reputation and good fortune such as Oedipus.” Essentially, he is telling us that Oedipus has a major flaw within himself that, under normal circumstances, would be a beneficial characteristic, but in his case, causes his demise. There are a few things about Oedipus that can be attributed to his downfall. Two major and influential factors are his pride and determination.
Oedipus’ personality clearly reflects pride and determination throughout the play. When Oedipus heard the oracles’ prediction that he was to kill his father and marry his mother, he was determined to prevent the prophecy. Therefore he left his homeland of Corinth never to return. Then when he solved the Sphinx’s riddle, Oedipus’ pride rose to a new level. He was praised by the people of Thebes, resulting in his marriage to Jocasta, Queen of Thebes. Oedipus also shows his determination when in search of Laius’ murderer. He stated that he would avenge the King’s death as if Laius were his own father. He cursed the murderer, announcing “May he drag out an evil death-in-life in misery.” These characteristics of pride and determination, which Oedipus emanates throughout the play, may appear to be positive attributes to one’s personality. However, Oedipus’ actions, based on these characteristics, are what led him to his eventual downfall and suffrage....
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