Arrogance in Oedipus Rex Free Essay Example

In Oedipus Rex, Sophocles establishes Oedipus as a great ruler whose arrogance blinds him and leads to his downfall. As a ruler, Oedipus protects his “children” and seeks to find the killer of Laius. Oedipus mainly demonstrates the characteristics of being vulnerable, the hero’s downfall is his responsibility, and the downfall is not a total loss.

Sophocles shows Oedipus as a courageous ruler in the first episode when he promises to save Thebes by solving the mystery of who killed Laius. Oedipus says, “You have prayed, and your prayers shall be answered” and “I have saved this land from ruin. I am content.” Oedipus declares himself close to a God and proclaims that he will save his “children” from misery. He reminds his people that he saved them once and plans to save them again. Oedipus has excessive pride and believes that he can solve their problems. His hubris leads him to his downfall and displays how he is great, but also vulnerable.

In Oedipus Rex, Oedipus blinds himself to the truth that he killed Laius. In the 4th episode, we see how Oedipus determined his downfall by realizing that he killed Laius. Oedipus declares, “Apollo has laid this agony upon me; not by his hand; I did it.” Oedipus has an epiphany about how he was blind to the truth. Oedipus tried to defy the oracle, but the nemesis that he faced led to his downfall. These actions show how Oedipus’ actions are responsible for his failure.

As Oedipus finds the truth about the killer, He goes through an anagnorisis in the 4th episode. Oedipus recognizes his sin when he says, “O light! May I never look on you again, revealed as I am, sinful in my begetting, sinful in marriage, sinful in shedding of blood.” Oedipus screened himself from the truth. From Oedipus’ failing, we remind ourselves of the greatness of Oedipus. He defied the Sphinx’s riddle and showed how he appeared as the “first of men.” From his epiphany, he proves how the downfall is not a total loss.

Sophocles shows Oedipus as a ruler whose arrogance blinds him. In the play, we see how Oedipus is a tragic hero. By demonstrating the characteristics of a tragic hero, Oedipus awes us with what he accomplished as the person that we strive to be.