Oedipus the King
Oedipus the KingA hero is defined as a person noted for feats of courage or nobility of purpose. Was Oedipus a hero? Opinions may vary but Oedipus has all the traits of a hero; he is loyal, courageous, and honorable. Throughout the play, Oedipus shows why he could only be remembered as a hero.
Oedipus was a great man, and the devotion to his people proves this. For instance, when the city is overwhelmed by plague, Oedipus answers the call of his people and searches for the reason. “I know that you are deathly sick; and yet, Sick as you are, not one is as sick as I” (p 1257). Only to find the only way to save his city is by finding the killer of king Laios, an answer that Oedipus comes to find out he does not want to know. Teiresias, a blind man that is very wise tells Oedipus that he is the killer. “I say that you are the murderer whom you seek”(p 1264). As King, Oedipus could have paid no mind to such accusations. Instead, he upholds his honor by searching deeper for the truth.
As a result of Oedipus’ search for the truth, he is faced with another problem. What if he really is the killer? Oedipus was told by Creon that the murderer of Laios would be “exiled” from the city! This meant that if it was him, this judgement would be placed upon him as well. Oedipus shows great courage in wanting to know the truth, no matter what it is. Many other leaders, past and present have been known to cover up...
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