Oedipus
"It was you, we remember, a newcomer to Cadmus' town, that broke our bondage to the vile Enchantress. With no foreknowledge or hint that we could give, But, as we truly believe, with the help of God, You gave us back our life. Now, great and glorious, we seek your help again." King , the greatest and noblest of all men, is once again being called upon by the Thebans to save the polis from disaster. The Chorus holds as the object of universal adoration, but is he really the greatest Theban king ever? Why is it that the chorus neglects to mention any of ' great contributions to Thebes, except that of defeating the Sphinx. If he were an excellent leader, it seems curious that the only ...
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pain and death merely because he was hesitant to reveal the harsh realities of ' life? ' tale of meeting Laius is another troubling point. In Colonus he states in plain terms that King Laius would have murdered him had he not killed Laius. In his initial speech to Jocasta on Laius' death he tells a different story. It sounds as though he provoked, or at least escalated, the attack on him, striking the first real blow instead of going off the road, which was all Laius' party really wanted him to do. His earlier speech is not at all a recall of killing in self-defense. is, rather, quite hotheaded and possibly even bloodthirsty.
does not unselfishly seek out the truth even though he knows it will be painful for him, rather, he has no idea what the outcome of his search will be, denies the truth at every turn, and threatens those who speak it. Many people may paint as a great man, pointing out that he pursues the truth at whatever personal cost and has the strength to accept ...
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Oedipus. (2005, November 9). Retrieved May 17, 2025, from http://www.essayworld.com/essays/Oedipus/36225
"Oedipus." Essayworld.com. Essayworld.com, 9 Nov. 2005. Web. 17 May. 2025. <http://www.essayworld.com/essays/Oedipus/36225>
"Oedipus." Essayworld.com. November 9, 2005. Accessed May 17, 2025. http://www.essayworld.com/essays/Oedipus/36225.
"Oedipus." Essayworld.com. November 9, 2005. Accessed May 17, 2025. http://www.essayworld.com/essays/Oedipus/36225.
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