Oedipus 2
Man 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 ...
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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.
If Oedipus had not been so determined to escape and prevent the prophecy, he would not have fulfilled it. Possibly, he was doomed to fulfill the prophecy because he believed he could avoid it. Nevertheless, his fate was sealed by his actions of pride and determination. His pride of conquering the Sphinx led him to the marriage of Jocasta, his mother. When avenging ...
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Oedipus 2. (2004, December 25). Retrieved June 20, 2025, from http://www.essayworld.com/essays/Oedipus-2/19509
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"Oedipus 2." Essayworld.com. December 25, 2004. Accessed June 20, 2025. http://www.essayworld.com/essays/Oedipus-2/19509.
"Oedipus 2." Essayworld.com. December 25, 2004. Accessed June 20, 2025. http://www.essayworld.com/essays/Oedipus-2/19509.
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