Oedipus the King

Paper Summary:

"Oedipus the King" (Greek: "Oidipous Tyrannos") is a Greek tragedy written by Sophocles in the 5th Century BC. This paper examines the underlying theme of violence and inevitable tragedy brought about, in part, by the uncontrolled temper, arrogance and stubbornness of its central character, as well as the irony of fate. These aspects of the play are analyzed in this essay.

From the Paper:

"The start of the play depicts its main character, Oedipus as a wise, happy, and beloved ruler of Thebes, though hot-tempered, and somewhat impatient, and arrogant. Oedipus flees Corinth because of a prophecy by a Delphic oracle that he would murder his father and wed his mother. While journeying to Thebes from Corinth, the young Oedipus angrily attacks and kills a small band of travelers who refuse to make way for him at a crossroads, a "place where three roads meet." (Therese). The scene depicts the terrible and self-destructive temper of Oedipus as well as the irony of fate with the tragic hero taking the road leading to ultimate tragedy. His fiery temper is further exhibited in the argument between Teiresias and himself, where Teiresias states the truth and Oedipus replies, "Do you think you can say such things with impunity?" and later calls Teiresias a "Shameless and brainless, sightless, senseless sot!" (Tragedy in Oedipus the King)."

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