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The foremost character traits that Sophocles [496 B.C.E.* - 406 B.C.E.] shows in 'Oedipus Rex' are his competitiveness and his perfectionism. During his lifetime, he participated in 30 literary competitions. He was competitive, and placed first in 24 competitions. In each of the remaining six, he placed a close second.

Plays about Thebes and Troy tended to sit well with theater going audiences in ancient Greece. Specifically, Aeschylus [c. 525/524 B.C.E. - 456/455 B.C.E.] had received strong career boosts through his Theban themed plays on the Oedipus myth. So Sophocles knew a winning story when he saw it.

And Sophocles played to win. He was the son of Sophillus, a highly successful armor manufacturer. So Sophocles was used to competition, and to expecting and having the best and the most expensive of things.

Because of that competitiveness, Sophocles was a perfectionist. He had the best education and training that all of his family's substantial wealth could provide. So he had the means to do his best, and he did so. As with the competitiveness, perhaps the perfectionism never was seen more clearly than in his writing. In fact, 'Oedipus Rex' is considered a literary classic as the perfect example of a tragedy and as the perfect use of dramatic irony.

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Who is the first character that the audience meets as the play opens in 'Oedipus Rex'?

Oedipus is the first character that the audience meets even though he is not the first to be seen as play opens in "Oedipus Rex" by Sophocles (495 B.C.E. - 405 B.C.E.).Specifically, the play opens with suppliants seated around the priest of Zeus. They gather at an altar that is set up outside the main entrance to the Theban royal palace. Theban King Oedipus comes out of the palace and addresses those present.


How old is Creon?

Creon, a character from Greek mythology and literature, particularly in Sophocles' plays "Antigone" and "Oedipus Rex," does not have a specific age assigned to him. His age can be interpreted differently depending on the context of the story and the portrayal in various adaptations. In general, Creon is depicted as an older, experienced ruler, often seen as a figure of authority and wisdom.


What does Oedipus use to poke out his eyes in 'Oedipus Rex'?

His wife's golden brooches are what Oedipus uses to poke out his eyes in "Oedipus Rex" by Sophocles (495 B.C.E. - 405 B.C.E.).Specifically, Theban King Oedipus follows his wife, Queen Jocasta, into the royal suite. Jocasta locks herself in their bedroom and hangs herself. Oedipus deposits Jocasta's body on the floor. He decides to blind himself from not having seen that his wife is his own mother and therefore chooses Jocasta's brooches as the weapon of his own self-mutilation.


Who is the writer of 'Oedipus Rex'?

Sophocles [496 B.C.E. - 406 B.C.E.] is the writer of 'Oedipus Rex'. Interestingly, he was born and spent his early life in Colonus, where Oedipus was supposed to have died. Sophocles' family had lived in the area for generations.Many think that the tragic story of Theban King Oedipus is complete fiction. One explanation is the lack of its telling anywhere else. But the fact of Colonus-born Sophocles' telling the tale itself may be an indicator of its authenticity.As to why the story isn't found elsewhere, the very subject matter may be the explanation. Oedipus is perceived as an albeit unknowing committer of abominations. One of those abominations is mother-son incest. According to the ancient Greeks, such an act is completely unacceptable by mortals. Yet at the same time, such an act isn't that rare among their gods.So the story also may not have become widespread, because the subject was seen as blasphemous. Oedipus doesn't intend to do so. But he in essence does what gods are allowed to do, not humans.


What initial signs of rashness are seen in Oedipus in 'Oedipus Rex'?

It is in the opening scene with the priest of Zeus and the suppliants that the first signs of Oedipus' rashness are seen in "Oedipus Rex" by Sophocles (495 B.C.E. - 405 B.C.E.).Specifically, Theban King Oedipus has his brother-in-law and royal colleague Creon publicly announce the results of a sensitive visit with the Delphic oracle without first hearing the news in private. He learns that the pestilence in Thebes will end with the identification and execution or exile of the guilty in Laius' murder. Oedipus then takes it upon himself to extend the punishment to all who know but do not share relevant information as well as those who harbor or help the guilty even if the guilty and the accessories are members of the royal household. This rashly trespasses on divine decision making.

Related Questions

Who is the first character that the audience meets as the play opens in 'Oedipus Rex'?

Oedipus is the first character that the audience meets even though he is not the first to be seen as play opens in "Oedipus Rex" by Sophocles (495 B.C.E. - 405 B.C.E.).Specifically, the play opens with suppliants seated around the priest of Zeus. They gather at an altar that is set up outside the main entrance to the Theban royal palace. Theban King Oedipus comes out of the palace and addresses those present.


Why does Oedipus' father die in 'Oedipus Rex'?

Old age and illness are the reasons why Oedipus' adopted father dies in "Oedipus Rex" by Sophocles (495 B.C.E. - 405 B.C.E.).Specifically, Corinthian King Polybus is Oedipus' adopted father. The two have not seen each other for almost two decades. But on what turns out to be his last day on the job, Theban King Oedipus gets the news of Polybus' death and an invitation to occupy the Corinthian throne.


How old is Creon?

Creon, a character from Greek mythology and literature, particularly in Sophocles' plays "Antigone" and "Oedipus Rex," does not have a specific age assigned to him. His age can be interpreted differently depending on the context of the story and the portrayal in various adaptations. In general, Creon is depicted as an older, experienced ruler, often seen as a figure of authority and wisdom.


What does Oedipus use to poke out his eyes in 'Oedipus Rex'?

His wife's golden brooches are what Oedipus uses to poke out his eyes in "Oedipus Rex" by Sophocles (495 B.C.E. - 405 B.C.E.).Specifically, Theban King Oedipus follows his wife, Queen Jocasta, into the royal suite. Jocasta locks herself in their bedroom and hangs herself. Oedipus deposits Jocasta's body on the floor. He decides to blind himself from not having seen that his wife is his own mother and therefore chooses Jocasta's brooches as the weapon of his own self-mutilation.


Who is the writer of 'Oedipus Rex'?

Sophocles [496 B.C.E. - 406 B.C.E.] is the writer of 'Oedipus Rex'. Interestingly, he was born and spent his early life in Colonus, where Oedipus was supposed to have died. Sophocles' family had lived in the area for generations.Many think that the tragic story of Theban King Oedipus is complete fiction. One explanation is the lack of its telling anywhere else. But the fact of Colonus-born Sophocles' telling the tale itself may be an indicator of its authenticity.As to why the story isn't found elsewhere, the very subject matter may be the explanation. Oedipus is perceived as an albeit unknowing committer of abominations. One of those abominations is mother-son incest. According to the ancient Greeks, such an act is completely unacceptable by mortals. Yet at the same time, such an act isn't that rare among their gods.So the story also may not have become widespread, because the subject was seen as blasphemous. Oedipus doesn't intend to do so. But he in essence does what gods are allowed to do, not humans.


Is mean a character trait?

Mean is not considered a positive character trait. It generally involves being unkind, rude, or hurtful towards others. Developing empathy, kindness, and compassion are typically seen as more desirable character traits.


William Lyon Mackenzie King's character traits and personalities?

he was the biggest buthole that the canadian government has ever seen.


What are skellig's character traits?

Skellig is wanting because he asks for aspirin and 27 and 53, but he isn't mean at all.


What does Oedipus mean when he speaks of looking at the light for the last time in 'Oedipus Rex'?

That he will not see daylight since it never reveals the truth of his existence is what Oedipus means when he speaks of looking at the light for the last time in "Oedipus Rex" by Sophocles (495 B.C.E. - 405 B.C.E.).Specifically, the term light describes the sunlight and the truth. Theban King Oedipus has a mistaken self-image even though he spends his life processing what he thinks he sees in broad daylight. He plans to blind himself in order not to be deceived or distracted by how appearances seen by physical sight can be misleading.


What initial signs of rashness are seen in Oedipus in 'Oedipus Rex'?

It is in the opening scene with the priest of Zeus and the suppliants that the first signs of Oedipus' rashness are seen in "Oedipus Rex" by Sophocles (495 B.C.E. - 405 B.C.E.).Specifically, Theban King Oedipus has his brother-in-law and royal colleague Creon publicly announce the results of a sensitive visit with the Delphic oracle without first hearing the news in private. He learns that the pestilence in Thebes will end with the identification and execution or exile of the guilty in Laius' murder. Oedipus then takes it upon himself to extend the punishment to all who know but do not share relevant information as well as those who harbor or help the guilty even if the guilty and the accessories are members of the royal household. This rashly trespasses on divine decision making.


What literary devices are used in Oedipus?

Dramatic irony is the major literary device in "Oedipus Rex" by Sophocles (495 B.C.E. - 405 B.C.E.).Specifically, the term refers to the emotional impact of something that is other than or not what it seems. Those already familiar with Oedipus' story have an emotional reaction to witnessing the characters knowing less than the audiences. So it is quite an emotional experience to be in a group with the gods, Jocasta's trusted servant, and Teiresias who know Oedipus is a killer and to watch Oedipus and the rest of the characters wrestle with ignorance of the truth.


What quotation shows how Creon is Oedipus' foil in 'Oedipus Rex'?

Doing "...many things against my will..." is a quotation that shows how Creon in Oedipus' foil in "Oedipus Rex" by Sophocles (495 B.C.E. - 405 B.C.E.).Specifically, Creon declares that he does not want to rule alone as sovereign of all Thebes. He favors the joint power sharing arrangement whereby he gets what he desires without having to work for it. He insists that as sole king he must do what he dislikes, most likely more often than what he likes.Creon therefore may be seen as King Oedipus' opposite or foil. In contrast to Creon, Oedipus prefers to lead. He seems to have no problems with being the most visible authority figure in all Thebes.