0
How and why is 'Oedipus Rex' a tragedy in self and in identity?
Wiki User
∙ 14y ago
Theban King Oedipus is tragic in terms of his own self. The how of that tragedy is seen in the movement through the different traits that he and others see him as having. For example, he starts out noble and admired. Specifically, he's seen as having courage, integrity, and wisdom. He ends up humiliatedand mutilated. Specifically, he's seen as criminal and immoral.
Oedipus also is tragic in terms of his own identity. The how of that tragedy is seen in the movement through the different jobs that are deemed appropriate for him to hold. For example, he starts out with an enviable identity as a popular, respected head of state. He ends up with the unenviable identity as a blind, beggarly nobody.
The why of both tragedies is seen in his gradual discovery of his total misunderstanding of how he leads his life. For example, he understands himself to have killed a stranger in self defense. But long afterward, he understands himself to have killed his own father and his own king in a disgraceful street brawl over a right-of-way.
Likewise, Oedipus understands himself to have married a grieving widow as a reward for delivering her city from an evil Sphinx. The happily married couple lead a comfortable family life with twin sons and two daughters. But long afterward, he understands himself to have married his own mother and thereby to have fathered children who also are his half siblings.
Wiki User
∙ 14y ago
Add your answer:
Earn +20 pts
Who is responsible for Oedipus' tragedy in 'Oedipus Rex'?
Oedipus himself as well as those who know of his true identity and keep silent are responsible for Oedipus' tragedy in "Oedipus Rex" by Sophocles (495 B.C.E. - 405 B.C.E.).Specifically, Theban King Oedipus is responsible for his downfall because of his murderous acts, passionate outbursts and secretive ways. But he operates at a disadvantage because of his mistaken self-image. Those who have but do not share information as to his true self-identity therefore share in the blame.
Who wrote the tragedy of Oedipus Rex?
Sophocles
What are the causes of Oedipus' tragedy in 'Oedipus Rex'?
His own choices on top of his mistakenself-identity are the causes of Oedipus' tragedy in "Oedipus Rex" by Sophocles (495 B.C.E. - 405 B.C.E.).Specifically, Oedipus receives a horrible prophecy that he will kill his father and marry his mother. Despite questions about his parentage, Oedipus panics and runs away from his presumed home in Corinth for an assumed fresh start in Thebes. But on the way, he kills an older version of himself and once there marries a newly widowed queen old enough to be his mother. In both cases, he does not carry out mandatory cleansing rituals. So it can be said that Oedipus' tragedy is caused in part by the mistaken self-identity that leads him to believe that Thebes means safety and that Corinth means trouble. But it also can be said that Oedipus' tragedy is caused by his own rash choices, such as in running away and neglecting mandatory purification procedures.
Does Oedipus Rex meet all the criteria of tragedy?
Yes.
What is the External conflict in Oedipus Rex?
First of all, there is no external conflict in Oedipus Rex, but the internal conflict is with Oedipus' discovery of his true identity and how he reacts to it.
Who is responsible for Oedipus' tragedy in 'Oedipus Rex'?
Oedipus himself as well as those who know of his true identity and keep silent are responsible for Oedipus' tragedy in "Oedipus Rex" by Sophocles (495 B.C.E. - 405 B.C.E.).Specifically, Theban King Oedipus is responsible for his downfall because of his murderous acts, passionate outbursts and secretive ways. But he operates at a disadvantage because of his mistaken self-image. Those who have but do not share information as to his true self-identity therefore share in the blame.
Who wrote the tragedy of Oedipus Rex?
Sophocles
What are the causes of Oedipus' tragedy in 'Oedipus Rex'?
His own choices on top of his mistakenself-identity are the causes of Oedipus' tragedy in "Oedipus Rex" by Sophocles (495 B.C.E. - 405 B.C.E.).Specifically, Oedipus receives a horrible prophecy that he will kill his father and marry his mother. Despite questions about his parentage, Oedipus panics and runs away from his presumed home in Corinth for an assumed fresh start in Thebes. But on the way, he kills an older version of himself and once there marries a newly widowed queen old enough to be his mother. In both cases, he does not carry out mandatory cleansing rituals. So it can be said that Oedipus' tragedy is caused in part by the mistaken self-identity that leads him to believe that Thebes means safety and that Corinth means trouble. But it also can be said that Oedipus' tragedy is caused by his own rash choices, such as in running away and neglecting mandatory purification procedures.
Does Oedipus Rex meet all the criteria of tragedy?
Yes.
What is the External conflict in Oedipus Rex?
First of all, there is no external conflict in Oedipus Rex, but the internal conflict is with Oedipus' discovery of his true identity and how he reacts to it.
When does the climax occur in 'Oedipus Rex' part II?
oedipus learns his identity from the shepard
The play Oedipus Rex was written by?
The classic tragedy Oedipus Rex was written by Sophocles and first performed in 429 BC. Aristotle proclaimed the play the best Greek tragedy ever written in his book Poetica.
What is the flaw of self-appointed identity in 'Oedipus Rex'?
That it is based on a lie on the one hand and that it is based on an unknown truth on the other are the flaws of self-appointed identity in "Oedipus Rex" by Sophocles (495 B.C.E. - 405 B.C.E.).Specifically, Corinthian monarchs Polybus andMerope are the self-appointed parents of Theban-born Oedipus. Unfortunately, they lead Oedipus to believe that they are his biological instead of his foster parents. As an adult, Oedipus is the self-appointed King of Thebes. What he does not know is that the Theban kingship is his by birthright as well as by marriage. Queen Jocasta is Oedipus' self-appointed wife. What she does not know is that much more than wife by marriage she is mother by birthright.
Why is Oedipus a tradgedy?
Oedipus Rex is a tragedy because The main character (Oedipus) suffers a major loss of some sort that tears his/her life apart. The play can be called a Greek tragedy because hubris (pride or arrogance) is a main theme. The fact that the belief in gods and fate are very prevalent also make Oedipus Rex a Greek tragedy.
What is an example of a Greek tragedy?
Their economy. (sad but true) Oedipus Rex Agamemnon
How does Oedipus Rex meet all the criteria of a tragedy?
Kills his father and blinds himself.
Whose downfall is described in 'Oedipus Rex'?
Oedipus' downfall is described in "Oedipus Rex" by Sophocles (495 B.C.E. - 405 B.C.E.).Specifically, Oedipus is a role model of personal happiness and professional success when the play begins. But in the course of the play, he learns that he is the victim of a mistaken self-identity. By the end of the play, Oedipus loses his home, job, reputation, sight and wife.
