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Sophocles' "Oedipus Rex", 2006.
A summary and analysis of the famous Greek tragedy by Sophocles, "Oedipus Rex".
1,872 words (approx. 7.5 pages), 4 sources, MLA, $ 59.95
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Abstract
This paper summarizes the plot of "Oedipus Rex" and analyzes the theme of the tragedy, explaining that the tragic story of Oedipus Rex was meant to serve as a lesson to others. That lesson, the paper explains, was that the punishment visited on the ruler was a sort of proof that the gods did not give special favor to the noble people and that the rules applied to everyone.
From the Paper
"In Greek tragedy, the hero is punished for some sin, made to pay the price even though in many cases what he will do has been foreordained. Aristotle surveyed the drama of his time and developed certain concepts regarding the nature of the tragic hero. The tragic hero must be an important person with a character flaw that causes him to make a great mistake leading to tremendous suffering and a fall from his high status. The tragedy derives from the fact that none of what occurs is the tragic hero's fault, for the tragic flaw predetermines his actions and seals his fate. Modern audiences may consider this inexplicable, for while viewers understand when someone is punished for a crime they commit intentionally, it is less clear how fault should be ascribed when the crime is not intentional."
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Interpreting 'Oedipus Rex', 2007.
A discussion of universalism vs. historical perspectives in literary critiques of 'Oedipus Rex'.
1,796 words (approx. 7.2 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 57.95
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Abstract
'Oedipus Rex', a part of the Theban plays by Sophocles, is among the best-known works from Ancient Greece in today's literary and non-academic worlds. The paper discusses how some argue that only interpretations of 'Oedipus Rex' that use historical contexts as a basis are correct theories, while others argue that a more universalist approach incorporating themes from all time periods in which the work has been read and performed is of equal or greater value. The paper examines the interpretations of Jennifer Lewin, Janet M. Green and Martin Kallich. The paper shows how all of these literary critiques illustrate the way in which universalistic versus historical interpretations of this play are present throughout our modern understanding of the work.
From the Paper
"Jennifer Lewin's "Overview of Oedipus Rex" identifies Oedipus Rex as, arguably, the most important tragedy in all of classical literature. Aristotle used this play, after all, to define the qualities of a successful tragedy, and it has been referred to over and over again by writers that have used it to illustrate historical literature and events, as well as using it to provide inspiration for modern literary criticism. "Freud, for example, helped to shape the direction of twentieth century thought with his 1900 The Interpretation of Dreams, his coinage of the term 'Oedipal Complex' was an integral part of his definition of dreams and imaginative literature as representations of wishes that usually remain hidden during normal social interaction." (Lewin)"
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Oedipus Rex, 2006.
This paper discusses 'Oedipus Rex' by Sophocles and examines why this work remains so noteworthy after such a long time.
1,376 words (approx. 5.5 pages), 7 sources, MLA, $ 46.95
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Abstract
In this article, the writer looks at 'Oedipus Rex' by Sophocles that was written at least 2000 years ago and examines why the play continues as one of the most important and renowned tragedies ever. The writer discusses that some say it is the unique style, or its historical richness, or perhaps the theme that helps to better understand the foibles of humankind. The writer also suggests that maybe, the play maintains its successful run because it has just as powerful a message for humankind as it did two millennium ago. The writer concludes that all are left with the anxiety that their lives may be just as changeable and unpredictable. The writer maintains that this knowledge and understanding, in fact, is what makes Oedipus Rex today as important and renowned in the present as it was over 2,000 years ago.
From the Paper
"The truth is that anyone, anywhere is subject to the will of the gods. Now having the same strengths and weaknesses as anyone in the theater from the least plebeian to most privileged, Oedipus evokes a range of emotions from disgust to pity to terror. All are left with the anxiety that their lives may be just as changeable and unpredictable. For that is what happens to all who are mortal.
That knowledge and understanding, in fact, is what makes Oedipus Rex today as important and renowned in the present as it was over 2,000 years ago. How many humans, today, are just as torn--wondering how much of their lives are dictated by God, fate or some other force they cannot control, and how much they can decide for themselves through their own free will?"
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Oedipus Rex, 2008.
This paper examines the painting "Oedipus Rex" (1922) by Max Ernst.
741 words (approx. 3.0 pages), 1 source, APA, $ 26.95
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Abstract
The paper analyzes Max Ernst's artwork "Oedipus Rex" through the Freudian Oedipus complex and through the play "Oedipus Rex" by Sophocles. The paper considers how the surrealistic style of Ernst is used to depict the symbolic sexual tension between father, mother and son, especially in the case of the walnut and the arrow that penetrates it. The paper explains that this type of Freudian approach to painting is part of Ernst's desire to reflect his own inner conflicts.
From the Paper
"The painting Oedipus Rex (1922) by Max Ernst was a direct result of his fascination with birds and the idea of a deeper unconscious mind working beneath the veil of surface thoughts. Ernst believed fervently in the premise of the bird as a symbol of how mankind sought to be free through flight, which acts in accordance with the Freudian concept of condensation. The link between the play by Sophocles and the painting only invigorate this idea, since the premise of the son in Freud's theory is to free himself from fatherly constraints to bond with his mother in intercourse. The nut being portrayed in the painting is clearly a female symbol of the vulva with the male fingers vying to enter it."
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Faith in 'Oedipus Rex', 2006.
A discussion regarding the theme of faith in the play 'Oedipus Rex' by Sophocles.
1,824 words (approx. 7.3 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 58.95
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Abstract
This paper takes a look at the play 'Oedipus Rex' by Sophocles. According to the paper, 'Oedipus Rex' is based on a famous Greek myth about the king of Thebes, Oedipus, who fulfilled a prophecy that he would marry his mother and kill his father, despite a lifetime of trying to avoid it. This paper reviews the idea of faith and fate, both which are prevalent throughout this play.
From the Paper
"Jocasta, Oedipus' biological mother, and Laius, his biological father, both had faith in the gods' prophecy that their son was going to destroy them both, and therefore they took action to remove that possibility by attempting to kill him. However, this act of faith cannot be undone later, when it turns out that Oedipus actually survived, and despite their belief that they were safe from the prophecy's predicted doom. After Oedipus has been revealed by Tiresias to be the killer, he goes to Jocasta and tells her that the blind prophet had accused him. Jocasta attempts to comfort him by telling him that all prophets are false, using her own experience with the oracle that prophesied that her husband would be killed by his own son as an example of this. However, Jocasta does not realize that this part of the prophesy has already come to pass. Although she is denouncing her belief in prophesies, she has already acted out of faith in them, or else she would not have attempted to kill her son in the first place, and when she realized the fault of her choice, she will again have faith in prophesies. Jocasta tells Oedipus, "Fear? What should a man fear? It's all chance, chance rules our lives. Not a man on earth can see a day ahead, groping through the dark. Better to live at random, best we can. And as for this marriage with your mother--have no fear. Many a man before you, in his dreams, has shared his mother's bed. Take such things for shadows, nothing at all-- Live, Oedipus, as if there's no tomorrow!" (Sophocles) The audience knows that her faith that Oedipus would not kill his father and marry his mother will be overcome by a tragic return to faith in the gods."
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"Oedipus Rex" and "The Consolation of Philosophy", 2008.
An analysis of the themes of predetermination, chance and free will in Sophocles' "Oedipus Rex" and Anicius Manlius Severinus Boethius' "The Consolation of Philosophy".
2,254 words (approx. 9.0 pages), 4 sources, MLA, $ 69.95
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Abstract
This paper embarks on a comparative study between the works of two giants in their fields: Sophocles, one of the three ancient great tragedians in Greece and Anicius Manlius Severinus Boethius, a Christian philosopher of the 6th Century in Rome. The purpose of the study of the two works, i.e., "Oedipus Rex" and "The Consolation of Philosophy", is to determine the differences, if any, in the reconciliation of the concepts of predetermination, chance and free will existing together at the same time in the universe.
Outline
Introduction
Oedipus Rex
The Consolation of Philosophy
Predetermination, Chance and Free Will: Oedipus vs. The Consolation of Philosophy
Conclusion
From the Paper
"The narrator of the story (which one can fairly presumed to be Boethius), was contemplating the hopelessness and anguish of his isolation. He was writing his desperate musings, hoping death will come to end his despair. He was despairing with the Muses of Poetry when suddenly appeared Philosophy, his old friend. Philosophy drives away the Muses of poetry and asks Boethius what is ailing him. To Philosophy, Boethius poured out his grief and anguish over his fate, the unjust accusations against him and his utter ruin. Philosophy condoles with Boethius and sets out to calm and sooth his spirit. But first she wanted to know why he has changed so much so she asked him several questions. She finds that Boethius has forgotten his own nature; that Boethius does not know the destiny or direction of the universe, and; third, that he was ignorant of how the world is being governed. "
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Social Influence in ?Lysistrata?, ?Oedipus Rex? and ?A Raisin In The Sun?, 2002.
A study of the influence of society and their families on the characters of the three plays: ?Lysistrata?, ?Oedipus Rex? and ?A Raisin in the Sun?.
2,090 words (approx. 8.4 pages), 7 sources, MLA, $ 65.95
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Abstract
This paper illustrates the role of social, family and individual influence in the three plays by focusing on how influence changed the lives of the protagonists of Aristophanes? "Lysistrata", Sophocles? "Oedipus Rex" and Hansberry?s "A Raisin in the Sun". The paper examines how the influence on an individual or society may have radical effects. The paper comments separately on each play and then describes the common theme and ideas throughout the three plays. The writer looks at the influence of society on the individual and the influence of the individual on society.
From the Paper
"Every individual is at some point of his life influenced either by someone or by society. This influence totally changes him for the better or for the worse. The impact totally transforms the individual to such an extent that he is a completely different person. The inspiration is so great and effective that there is a revolutionary change in the individual and he becomes a new individual altogether. However, the change could be for the better or for the worse. The influence could be negative in which case the person will be completely destroyed emotionally or physically and the impact could be so devastating that this destruction could even be self inflicted. On the other hand, a positive influence could make a better individual in character or in strength and enable him to achieve the impossible."
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Light in "Oedipus Rex", 2006.
An analysis of the use of light as a metaphor of perception in Sophocles' "Oedipus Rex".
1,140 words (approx. 4.6 pages), 0 sources, $ 39.95
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Abstract
Sophocles' Oedipus Rex is the tragic story of a man search for justice which ends in his own condemnation and destruction. This paper examines how, throughout the story, as throughout time, light is used as a metaphor (and an antecedent) of perception and the assumption is made that what one perceives, one knows.
From the Paper
"Oedipus makes the mistake of thinking that truth is something tangible, which can be seen with the physical eyes. Hence he says that in the case of Laius' death, "none has seen the man who saw him fall." He never stops to think that such a claim is impossible, for surely this murderer is not invisible! This very example proves that vision and knowledge are distinct, for many have seen the murderer in his life, surely, but none have known him for what he is. Yet Oedipus does not consider this, and he continues to equate knowledge with physical sight, as when he tells Tieresias that the prophet's blindness makes him ignorant, "thou hast no power O'er me or any man who sees the sun.""
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"Oedipus Rex" as a Tragedy, 2004.
A discussion of the way that the play, "Oedipus Rex", is a tragedy.
816 words (approx. 3.3 pages), 2 sources, MLA, $ 29.95
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Abstract
In his classic work, "Poetics", Aristotle describes the elements of a tragedy. One of the most important elements is the tragic hero. The major characteristic of the tragic hero is a fatal flaw that results in their demise. Other common elements of a tragedy include the use of irony, the inclusion of an anagnorisis, and the catharsis that the audience experiences. These elements of the tragedy are all observed in "Oedipus Rex". Each of these elements are described in this paper.
From the Paper
"The first element present is the tragic hero, with King Oedipus taking on this role. King Oedipus's decline is based partly on his fate, where he is fated to kill his father and then marry his own mother. Importantly, it is not just this fate that results in his decline. If this were true, then it would not be his fatal flaw leading to the downfall. The fatal flaw, which Aristotle referred to as Hamartia, is Oedipus's ego and pride. His excessive pride and his strong ego results in Oedipus ignoring the fate, which represents the will of the Gods, and believing that he can overcome his fate. This results in King Oedipus leaving what he thinks is his own homeland and travelling to his real homeland where he kills his father and then marries his mother. This illustrates how his fatal flaw results in Oedipus causing his fate to become a reality."
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?Oedipus Rex?, 2002.
This paper discusses ?Oedipus Rex?, the archetype of tragic drama.
1,310 words (approx. 5.2 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 44.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses ?Oedipus Rex? as a religious parable of the dangers of pride. This paper explore the understanding that, ultimately, we are all responsible for our own tragedies and successes because we cannot deny fate. The author believes that this tragic fable delivers a clear message, those who possess fatal flaws are fated to suffer dearly from them.
From the Paper
"Oedipus falls from happiness into misery as the play progresses through what sometimes is translated as "serious action," action that is complete, noble, and poetical. The total effect invokes dismay and horror. In the end comes the anagnorisis: the recognition or uncovering of the error. In the naive form, a hero or heroine recognizes a person or thing previously mistaken in identity, through some scar or mark or other sign (Dawe, n pag). Iphegenia, for example, recognizes her brother as she is about to sacrifice him to the gods. It is the purpose of this paper to discuss how the fear of God?s wrath can make some punish themselves in worse manners than the Gods would actually do."
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"Hamlet" and "Oedipus Rex", 2004.
Essay contrasting Sophocles's "Oedipus Rex" with Shakespeare's "Hamlet".
1,150 words (approx. 4.6 pages), 5 sources, MLA, $ 39.95
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Abstract
This paper first explains what exactly defines tragic literature and then compares and contrasts Sophocles's "Oedipus Rex" with William Shakespeare?s "Hamlet", two of the most read tragedies in literature. The paper looks at the different styles of the tragedies, the different audiences for whom the plays were written, and character development in the plays, as well as their use of the elements of mystery and the supernatural.
From the Paper
"Mystery is another element of tragedy. In ?Oedipus Rex, Oedipus? very identity is a mystery, which serves to move the plot (Ghosh pg). Although his own identity is a mystery, Oedipus serves as an investigator to solve the reason for the plague that has fallen upon his city. In ?Hamlet,? mystery again is a key element, however, the mystery is revealed in the beginning and the plot is moved along by Hamlet?s investigation as he ?sets out to prove the crime before seeking revenge,? even though he knows the crime and the identity of the criminal (Ghosh pg). Oedipus and Hamlet both strive to solve their perspective mysteries."
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"Oedipus Rex", 2005.
A literary discussion on the paradoxes of human nature in Sophocles' "Oedipus Rex".
675 words (approx. 2.7 pages), 3 sources, $ 26.95
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Abstract
This paper examines Sophocles' tragedy with an eye towards reviewing what the play says about human nature, particularly as it pertains to secret guilt and psychological imperatives. It explains that Sophocles' Oedipus Rex is such an object of enduring interest to this writer because it focuses attention upon the destructive power of truth and calls into question the premise that truth is always better than falsehood.
From the Paper
"Oedipus Rex has emerged as one of the most remarkable and enduring literary works in the Western canon. The tale of patricide, deception and incest has captivated audiences and spawned investigations into the human psyche (Freud being the most obvious example of the latter). The following paper examines Sophocles' tragedy with an eye towards reviewing what the play says about human nature - particularly as it pertains to secret guilt and psychological imperatives. Quite simply, Sophocles' Oedipus Rex is such an object of enduring interest to this writer because it focuses attention upon the destructive power of truth and calls into question the premise that truth is always better than false-hood. In a related vein, I am intrigued by how our instinctive, human need to uncover our own etiology may actually lead us towards answers we would be better off not knowing. To put it ..."
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"Oedipus Rex", 2003.
An examination of the protagonist in "Oedipus Rex" by Sophocles.
690 words (approx. 2.8 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 23.95
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Abstract
This paper examines the protagonist/antagonist, major themes, conflict and the protagonist's role in the plot of "Oedipus Rex" by Sophocles. It also looks at the primary theme of fate and the theme of self-knowledge.
From the Paper
"The protagonist in the play Oedipus Rex, is the title character Oedipus. Oedipus lives most of his life as a just man who seeks to avoid fulfilling the prophecy that he will kill his father and marry his mother. Indeed when he learns ..."
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Conventions of Tragedy in "Oedipus Rex", 2002.
Examines the components of Greek tragedy upon which Sophocles' "Oedipus Rex" are based.
2,283 words (approx. 9.1 pages), 5 sources, MLA, $ 70.95
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Abstract
By 500 B.C., Greek tragedy had reached a high point of popularity and was celebrated in religious festivals honoring Dionysus, god of wine and fertility. The paper shows that, taking it for granted that their audiences were familiar with the characters and themes, writers during this time based their dramatizations on myth and ritual. It discusses how, in addition to being familiar with the stories acted out on stage, the audience was aware of the workings of a Greek tragedy: how it progresses, what constitutes a tragic hero, what kinds of conflicts characters face, what moral statement or observation is being made. The paper shows that these four components provide the foundation for "Oedipus Rex" by Sophocles and its enduring success as one of the greatest tragedies of all time.
From the Paper
"As does the plot, the characterization of the main character Oedipus revolves around situation more than interaction with other characters. Oedipus is the epitome of tragic heroes, doomed by the excess of some good quality within himself and willing to take responsibility for his ensuing actions (Richards 742). This quality in Oedipus, his hamartia, or tragic flaw, is an unquenchable desire for truth no matter what the cost, a desire that stems from his pride of intellect. Initially, Oedipus, still basking in the glory of having solved the riddle of the Sphinx, exhibits great selfconfidence in his wisdom, oblivious to the fact that his own identity remains concealed from himself. It is this ignorance of the adage "Know thyself," combined with Oedipus' quest for truth, that constitutes tragic character. In terms of Greek tragedy, Oedipus' suffering from hybris, an arrogance resulting from excess (pride, in Oedipus' case), leads to hamartia, the aforementioned tragic flaw that brings about his downfall (Brown 96). The chorus recognizes that "the tyrant is a child of Pride/Who drinks from his great sickening cup/Recklessness and vanity/Until from his high crest headlong/He plummets to the dust of hope" (Sophocles 57)."
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Questions On "Oedipus Rex", 2005.
This paper supplies answers to five questions about the play "Oedipus Rex" by Sophocles.
1,130 words (approx. 4.5 pages), 5 sources, MLA, $ 39.95
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Abstract
The paper provides answers to five questions about the play "Oedipus Rex," by Sophocles. The paper discusses the issues of hubris, fate, free will and also touches upon Freud's "On the Interpretation of Dreams."
From the Paper
"Hubris is defined in The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language as over bearing pride or presumption arrogance. This term aptly applies to the character of Oedipus in the play "Oedipus Rex" because Oedipus is so full of pride that he is blind to the reality of his true identity and what he has done. Oedipus boldly declares that he will find his father's murderer, completely unaware that he himself murdered his father."
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