Oedipus the King: Tragic Downfall of a Powerful Ruler

Abstract

Oedipus the King FIRST TRAIT: HIGH SOCIAL STANDING (FROM OEDIPUS THE KING BY SOPHOCLES) “Oh Oedipus, king of the land.” (line 16). The quote demonstrates how people addressed Oedipus acknowledging his power and rule. In this quote, the priest identifies the position held by the king. As king of the land, Oedipus had control over other people including the Priest. “I order him to reveal it all to me.” (line 261). In this quote Oedipus speaks to the people of Thebes demanding to know any information about the murder of Laius. The quote demonstrates his command over the people and his ability to solve their problems. Oedipus occupies a position of power over the people of Thebes. “You should have looked into it?” (line 301). The quote demonstrates the responsibility associated with leadership. Oedipus is expected to create a solution for the people using his power. The social standing allows him to question and command the people of the city. “Yet I finished her off, using my wits.” (line 477). Oedipus refers to his wisdom and knowledge that saved Thebes from the Sphinx. He tells Teiresias that he is much a better leader than Creon or other people in Thebes would be. The quote demonstrates his knowledge and how it saved the city. “I would not have come, but you summoned me.” (line 523). On spite of their argument, Teiresias acknowledges that she obeys the king. She refers to Oedipus with respect and caution when expressing her views. The quote demonstrates the extent of respect Oedipus commands regardless of the views other people have over his leadership. SECOND TRAIT: FATAL FLAW (FROM OEDIPUS THE KING BY SOPHOCLES) “Yes, I heard as much. But no one has seen the one who did it.” (line 346). Oedipus is blinded from the truth and cannot see his role in the suffering of his people. He is responsible for the murder of his father and King Laius. In this quote, he answers to the chorus leader demonstrating his blindness to the cause of suffering for his own people. “Get out, and may the plague get rid of you!” (line 519). The quote demonstrates that Oedipus is unable to acknowledge any counsel that disagrees with his thoughts. The seer serving Apollo informs him of his flaws yet he does not accept failure in judgement. In this quote, he disregards Teiresias and pushes her away from his sources of counsel. “My soul is shaken, my mind confused.” (Line 875). Oedipus speaks to Jocasta after just realizing that he may have caused the death of his father and fulfilled the curse by marrying his mother. The king caused the problems in Thebes and was looking for other murderers. BY killing his father, Oedipus had fulfilled the prophesy and caused the suffering faced by the people of Thebes. These killer’s hands, I now contaminate the dead man’s bed. (line 986-987). Oedipus laments the suffering of his people and his role in the problems in Thebes. He came to the city to escape a curse that followed him. His flaw in marrying his mother contributed to the curse. In this quote, the king describes the curse following him from to the city of Thebes. “He comes from Corinth, bringing news that Polybus, your father, no longer is alive.” (lines 1135-1136). This quote demonstrates the challenges facing Oedipus and specifically how death and suffering follows his actions. Jocasta reports that the king of Corinth is dead at the same time the people of Thebes are suffering. Oedipus life and decisions lead to his own suffering and pain. THIRD TRAIT: DOWNFALL FROM HIGH POSITION (FROM OEDIPUS THE KING BY SOPHOCLES) “And he will turn out to be the brother of the children in his house.” (line 555). In this quote, the prophesy of Teiresias describes the downfall of the king and his leadership. The seer describes Oedipus’s life and how it has caused the suffering of the people of Thebes. The inability of Oedipus to see the truth of the seer contributes to his own failure. “And am I not third, equal to you both?” (Line 701). Oedipus begins losing support from his own people and Creon questions his wisdom. In this quote, Creon asks if he is part of the leadership with Oedipus and Jocasta. Losing the support of the people demonstrates the instability of his leadership. “Sister, your husband Oedipus intends to punish me in one of...