"Oedipus Rex"

Paper Summary:

A brief review of the character of Oedipus Rex, focusing on his major flaws which ultimately lead to the tragic ending. The writer begins by exploring what Oedipus is forced to know about himself, despite his efforts to avoid the truth. The paper compares the role of Oedipus to that of other similar tragic heroes from the Greek literary period, all high-born characters whose fate creates the lesson to be learned by the audience.

From the Paper:

"The Greek maxim "know thyself" seems clear, but in fact it may involve enormous complications both in following and even in understanding when set against other values also held in high esteem. The primary conflict in Oedipus Rex is internal and takes place in the character of Oedipus as he fights against recognizing the truth until he is forced to do so. Everything that occurs has been foretold, and yet Oedipus has not recognized that his actions will lead to the consequences the gods have warned will occur."

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