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Oedipus, 2005.
An analysis of the character of Oedipus in Sophocles "Oedipus the King".
1,400 words (approx. 5.6 pages), 1 source, MLA, £ 24.95
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Abstract
This paper examines how in Sophocles "Oedipus the King", Oedipus endures a dramatic transformation in character. It details the fall of Oedipus's character from a confident king to an ashamed person of exile. It also follows Oedipus's change in his self-perception and his change in identity.
From the Paper
"When Oedipus first addresses the city of Thebes, he confidently states, "Here I am myself-- you all know me, the world knows my fame: I am Oedipus" (ll. 7-9.) This statement affirms his self-assured nature. At this point in the play, by claiming "I am Oedipus," he is emphasizing his self-knowledge, or at least what he believes to be this. He feels proud of his past accomplishments and believes that he has nothing to hide. He appears confident, open, and trustworthy; these characteristics have brought Oedipus respect and admiration within the community, and they have helped him to achieve such a prestige position as king."
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Sophocles's "Oedipus the King", 2005.
Character analysis of Oedipus in Sophocles's "Oedipus the King".
1,050 words (approx. 4.2 pages), 1 source, MLA, £ 19.95
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Abstract
This paper describes the plot of "Oedipus the King" and analyzes the main character of the tragedy, Oedipus. The paper looks at the effect that Oedipus's pride had on his life and whether it was ultimately the cause of the tragedies in his life.
From the Paper
"In Sophocles' tragedy Oedipus the King (Barnet et al. 986-1027), the title character Oedipus, cannot seem to catch a break in life. As the play opens, the kingdom he has married into and rules, Thebes, is ravaged by a terrible plague, and Oedipus despairs of being able to help his people. Later Oedipus receives the unwelcome knowledge from the blind prophet Tiresias that as a baby he was abandoned by his parents and left to die, since his father, Laius, had heard prophesy that his son would otherwise kill him (lines 508-26). When the baby Oedipus is handed over to a kindly shepherd, to do with him as he pleases, the infant's ankles have been bound so tightly that he develops swollen feet (the literal Greek meaning of the word "Oedipus"), and walks, forever after, with a limp."
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"Oedipus the King", 2002.
A literary review of the character of Oedipus in Sophocles' "Oedipus the King".
900 words (approx. 3.6 pages), 4 sources, £ 18.95
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Abstract
A paper on the character of Oedipus in Sophocles "Oedipus the King".
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Oedipus Rex, 2007.
An analysis of the flaws of the character Oedipus Rex, in "Oedipus the King" by Sophocles.
1,116 words (approx. 4.5 pages), 1 source, MLA, £ 20.95
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Abstract
The paper introduces, discusses, and analyzes the play "Oedipus the King" by Sophocles. Specifically, it interprets the play and the main character, Oedipus Rex, and his inability to listen to those around him. The paper examines how Oedipus is a tragic hero with a fatal flaw. He does not listen to the advice of those around him, and this is his downfall by the end of the play. The paper concludes that he is a brave and good leader and ruler, but his flaw keeps him from being truly great, and causes the city of Thebes hardship and great misfortune.
From the Paper
"The lesson from Oedipus is that pride can get in the way of common sense and the good of the many. Oedipus is prideful, and will not listen to the voices of the people around him. Many different characters give him excellent advice, but he chooses to ignore it and follow his own path that eventually leads to doom. If Oedipus had just taken the time to listen to the words of older, wiser individuals, he might not have suffered the fate he did. He let his pride get in the way of common sense, and it led to tragedy for his family and his people. He lost his real mother and father, fathered two children in incest, and ended up blind and alone."
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Oedipus and Othello, 2006.
An analysis of the character flaws that lead to calamitous falls of Othello and Oedipus in Sophocles' "Oedipus the King" and William Shakespeare's"Othello".
1,125 words (approx. 4.5 pages), 2 sources, £ 23.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses Oedipus's and Othello's character flaws or weakness in the two plays, Sophocles' "Oedipus the King" and William Shakespeare's"Othello". The paper describes the two plays as classic dramatic tragedies, in the sense that the audience experiences fear and pity as they witness the hero undergo a huge and disastrous change. It then suggests that in both plays one crucial reason for this calamitous fall is character flaws or weaknesses in the protagonists, Oedipus and Othello.
From the Paper
"Discuss Oedipus's and Othello's character flaws or weaknesses Sophocles' Oedipus the King and Shakespeare's Othello are two plays with much in common. Both are classic dramatic tragedies, in the sense that the audience experiences fear and pity as they witness the hero undergo a huge and disastrous change. Moreover, in both plays one crucial reason for this calamitous fall is character flaws or weaknesses in the protagonists, Oedipus and Othello. This paper will examine and compare the character flaws and weaknesses of these two protagonists. Both plays begin with their protagonist in a very good position."
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"Oedipus Rex", 2003.
An analysis of the downfall of Oedipus in Sophocles' "Oedipus Rex".
690 words (approx. 2.8 pages), 1 source, MLA, £ 12.95
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Abstract
This paper outlines why the downfall of Oedipus in Sophocles' play "Oedipus Rex" is so tragic. It discusses whether or not he was accountable for his own downfall and what Sophocles was trying to say to the people of Athens.
From the Paper
"There is an old saying that says pride goes before a fall which means that when someone thinks and behaves in an over confident manner sooner or later something will happen usually brought upon themselves insome way to humiliate them. The more grand the ..."
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"Hamlet" and "Oedipus the King", 2005.
Character analysis of Prince Hamlet in "Hamlet" by William Shakespeare and Oedipus in "Oedipus King" by Sophocles.
807 words (approx. 3.2 pages), 1 source, APA, £ 14.95
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Abstract
In this paper, a character analysis of both Prince Hamlet and Oedipus is conducted, arguing that both characters have exhibited tragic flaws that ultimately determined their downfall in life.
From the Paper
"In Aristotle's literary discourse, "Poetics," he discusses his theory of tragedy, wherein he introduces the concepts of tragic flaw or "hamartia," which serves as the catalyst for the protagonist's downfall or the tragedy of the story to happen. He determines a tragedy as a "drama" that brings about a "sorrowful conclusion, arousing fear and pity in the audience" (Roberts and Jacobs, 1998:1189). Tragic stories are identified through three (3) characteristics or elements: first, the protagonist, usually a male, must be of noble stature; second, the protagonist or tragic hero must possess a tragic flaw or "hamartia" that shall become his downfall at the end of the story; and third, the hero's downfall must come with a self-realization on his part, making him a 'reformed' individual even if a tragic outcome happens to him."
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"Oedipus Rex" and "Death of a Salesman", 2004.
An analysis of fate, insanity, and the tragic lives of Oedipus in "Oedipus Rex" by Sophocles and Willy Loman in "Death of a Salesman" by Arthur Miller.
846 words (approx. 3.4 pages), 4 sources, MLA, £ 15.95
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Abstract
Considered as fine works of literature that demonstrate the tragic lives of humanity amidst its flaws and weaknesses, the plays "Oedipus Rex" by Sophocles and "Death of a Salesman" by Arthur Miller aptly reflect, through their protagonist characters, their belief in fate and resulting tragic lives that marked their downfall to insanity and, later, towards death. This paper discusses these three significant concepts: fate, insanity, and tragedy, which are relevant to the main point in both of these plays.
From the Paper
"Similarly, Willy Loman in Miller's famous contemporary play illustrates the modern American who depended heavily on fate-in American culture, it is synonymous with the concept of "American dream." Willy's beliefs that he and his sons, Biff and Happy, are destined to have a life of economic success, just because they have the 'proper social connections' and personality that will endear them to many people, and in fact, towards having a lucky and prosperous life. Willy's obsession to achieve the American dream by relying on pure charisma alone resulted also to his downfall: not only did he fail in his career as a salesman, but his sons also failed to realize their dreams in life, in the belief that their father's promise of an economically successful life will come true (Ardolino, 1998:2). Like Oedipus, Willy's belief in his fate as a successful salesman led to his indolence, which led to his family's increased fall towards poverty, causing him to commit suicide."
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"Oedipus the King", 2006.
An analysis of the Oedipus character in the Sophocles play "Oedipus the King".
1,950 words (approx. 7.8 pages), 4 sources, APA, £ 32.95
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Abstract
The paper assesses the character of Oedipus in the play "Oedipus the King". The paper examines Oedipus' motivations and actions, concluding that while he is a victim of fate, he is not faultless. The author brings evidence that Oedipus is a corrupt tyrant, whose absolute power makes him believe that he is equal to the gods.
From the Paper
"However, as Oedipus reaches adulthood he is warned by a prophet that he will kill his father and marry his mother. Oedipus leaves Corinth believing that he will avoid this terrible fate by never returning to his home. On the way to Thebes he meets an old man on the road and they get into a fight. Oedipus kills the man unaware that this man is his biological father. When Oedipus arrives at Thebes he finds the city in chaos because the Sphinx is murdering citizens. The Sphinx demands that the citizens of Thebes solve a riddle. When the citizens fail to solve the riddle, she strangles them. Oedipus comes to their rescue by solving the riddle and freeing them from the Sphinx. In return, Oedipus is awarded the throne and unknowingly weds his biological mother. In the end, Oedipus discovers what he has done and in retribution he blinds himself. He lives in exile as a blind beggar for the rest of his life. It is true that Oedipus had no idea he had murdered his father and married his mother, so he cannot be blamed for it but, blame is not the question; the question is pollution. Knowingly or unknowingly he did the deed and finds himself standing before humanity as a victim of fate and a polluted monster. It seems that although Oedipus attempted to avoid his fate, he was doomed to it. The gods control his life and there is nothing he can do to change his future."
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Oedipus the King and Antigone, 2008.
An analysis of the underlying themes and character development in Sophocles' "Oedipus the King," "Antigone" and "Oedipus Colonus."
1,464 words (approx. 5.9 pages), 3 sources, MLA, £ 25.95
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Abstract
This paper analyzes the deeper inferences that Sophocles portrays through the vivid character history of the main characters in his "Three Theban Plays." It describes the characters and the development of the character Oedipus as the model for the tragic hero in "Oedipus the King," "Antigone" and "Oedipus Colonus." The paper concludes that the life of suffering is the underlying theme in the story of Oedipus and Antigone.
From the Paper
"It is also important to note that 'innocence' is not rewarded with an escape from any type of suffering. As in the case with Jocasta and Ismene, who play passive roles, both experience an element of suffering. While many view Jocasta as more a tragic character than Ismene, it is important to note that Ismene is governed by fear of man, rather than will of the gods; serving as the perfect foil to her older sister Antigone.
"Ultimately, the life of suffering is the underlying theme in the story of Oedipus and Antigone. In both plays, the hero's suffer extreme consequences for the choices laid upon them, regardless of their favor to the gods. In this sense, suffering is not only a consequence of choice, but also an inherent part of life. Sophocles portrays this theme perfectly through his tragic hero's and characters, laying the groundwork for many tragedians in the future."
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Sophocles' "Oedipus Rex", 2002.
A study of the work Sophocles' "Oedipus Rex" focusing on the enlightenment of Oedipus.
909 words (approx. 3.6 pages), 0 sources, £ 17.95
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Abstract
This paper reviews the famous story of Oedipus who was destined to kill his father and marry his mother and discusses how his action of evading his fate by leaving Corinth was an attempt to exert his free will and seek truth and enlightenment. It argues that, although Oedipus was intent on pursuing the truth throughout his lifetime, without first realizing his own ignorance it was not possible for him to acquire knowledge and true enlightenment. Oedipus was ignorant of his true parentage. It concludes that by asserting his free will over destiny, Oedipus was, in fact, punishing himself for the one true and courageous act of his lifetime - the successful discovery of enlightenment!
From the Paper
"Although acknowledging the importance of destiny, Greek general thought placed little emphasis on determinism and preferred to portray mankind as possessing free will. In Oedipus Rex, Sophocles addresses both sides of the coin by, on the one hand, stressing the infallibility of the oracle of Apollo, yet also endowing Oedipus with ultimate control over his own actions. It is within this context that the story of Oedipus portrays the tragic plunge of a powerful and wealthy man into the depths of ruin and dishonor. Likewise, Plato, in the Allegory of the Cave and other writings, carefully balances the importance and influence of fate with humankind's ability to control and steer their path to truth and enlightenment. Although many have raised and examined the similarities which underlie the tale of Oedipus and Plato's Allegory of the Cave, this paper will propose the view that Plato would have taken, and considers the advice and comment that he may have passed upon Oedipus."
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Oedipus: The Search For Truth, 2005.
An analysis of the play, "Oedipus Rex," by Sophocles.
1,282 words (approx. 5.1 pages), 1 source, MLA, £ 22.95
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Abstract
This paper examines how Sophocles's portrayal of the character, Oedipus, in his drama, "Oedipus Rex," is an excellent example of one character's unrelenting search for the truth. It looks at how the truth as Oedipus knows it and the truth as it is differ greatly and how Oedipus's actions bring about his own demise. It explores how the reality of his situation is slowly realized as the play progresses and how we see a transformation from Oedipus as the brave and arrogant leader to Oedipus as the disheartened and disgraced man.
From the Paper
"When Creon returns to Thebes with his message from Delphi he reports
that the gods have ordered Thebes to dispel the murderer of King Laios.
The murder was not freshly committed and few clues have been left behind by the perpetrator. Still, Oedipus is ambitious and quickly sets about asking questions to better understand the circumstances of Laios's death. He learns that the late king and a band of followers were killed on the highway and the only witness to the event was so badly frightened that he remembered next to nothing. Oedipus knows that he needs to do as the oracle commands, however because Thebe's problems cannot be resolved otherwise."
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"Oedipus Rex", 1992.
A comparison of the two characters, Oedipus and his mother Jocasta, in Sophocles' tragic play, "Oedipus Rex".
1,797 words (approx. 7.2 pages), 6 sources, APA, £ 30.95
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Abstract
The paper discusses ancient Greek playwright Sophocles' "Oedipus Rex" which contains not one but two tragic protagonists. This paper considers the claims of Oedipus and his mother Jocasta to the role of the play's most tragic figure. The paper shows that as a result of their actions, both suffer a drastic downfall from the throne; Oedipus to exile, Jocasta to death. It is therefore equally easy to make a case for either character as being the more tragically fallen, but the paper determines that in the end, Jocasta is the more tragic of the two.
From the Paper
"Though Oedipus is one play, its tragedy is twofold. Although there is no argument that the main character of the story "Oedipus Rex" is Oedipus himself, it is a moot point as to whose tragedy is the more pathetic within the framework of the play, Oedipus' or his mother Jocasta's. Oedipus is guilty of incest; but so is Jocasta. He is both father and half brother to his children; Jocasta is both mother and grandmother to these same children. Oedipus murders his father; but in doing so, it is Jocasta he widows. Both suffer blows to their hubris: Oedipus in realizing that although he is the great riddle solver, he is ignorant of his own identity, and Jocasta in failing to thwart the prophecy."
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"Oedipus Rex", 2005.
This paper discusses the use of irony in Sophocles' "Oedipus Rex".
1,045 words (approx. 4.2 pages), 1 source, MLA, £ 19.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that the most tragic destiny is a man having to murder his father and husband of his mother as was prophesied for Oedipus. The author points out that Sophocles artfully sprinkles ironies throughout the tale of Oedipus, which compounds this tragedy that is Oedipus' fate; moreover, Oedipus not knowing until much later in the play causes the reader to have an emotional response to the story as it progresses and the tensions build dramatically. The paper relates that the most bitter of ironies comes when Jocasta scoffs at the art of prophecy, beginning her speech, meaning only to comfort Oedipus, by showing him that the prediction that her son would kill Laius did not come true.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Overview
The Ironies
Conclusion
From the Paper
"Desperate for any clues, Oedipus asks for details of Laius' death. He is told that robbers killed King Laius, but further inquest into the matter was halted. When pressed to why no one would investigate the murder of royalty, it is ironically the Sphinx that compelled them to "let slide the dim past and attend instant needs" (Sophocles). These needs were the establishment of Oedipus as King and consort of the Queen, his mother. If not for this intervention by the Sphinx, who placed Oedipus on the throne, perhaps it would've been discovered that he was Laius' murderer, prior to him becoming the new King of Thebes, and bedding his mother."
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