A Greek Play Created By Sophocles

Oedipus soon realized that all his efforts of trying to prevent the inevitable, was just fate’s way of completing the Prophecies. Whether it was predicted before his birth, told at the time of his birth or orchestrated throughout his life, Oedipus had a per-determined lot to follow. No matter the derailed plans or unplanned events could stop the sad, tortured life that Apollo had laid out for

Tragedy can either be the darkest part of life for one person or it can be a learning opportunity for the other person. Of all the tragedies written in the literate, “Oedipus the King” written by ‘Sophocles’ is one of the oldest and the most prominent tragedy written till date. It is the story of the king, who is brutally left to die by his own parents, luckily survived, unknowingly killed his own father and married his mother. Although this story was written 2000 years ago, but it still has a great significance in the modern world. Of the most powerful tragedies of the time, “Oedipus the king” discloses such values and situations as parental aggression, child abandonment, self-confidence, ability to handle trauma, and parent-child intimate relationship that people are struggling with in today’s world. Sophocles reveals these behaviours and incidents through the actions of Oedipus.

Fate is unavoidable causing the fall of Oedipus. Oedipus’ parents tried avoiding fate with their son, when they “pierced the baby's ankles And left him to die on a lonely mountainside” (Sophocles 977). Ultimately true fate was for Oedipus to murder his father and impregnate his mother. Oedipus states, “I should lie with my own mother, breed Children from whom all men would turn their eyes; And that I should be my father's murderer” (Sophocles 979). Trying to avoid fate, Oedipus “fled” from Corinth (Sophocles 979). By leaving, Oedipus thinks he will stop this “wretchedness” from happening (Sophocles 979). Due to Oedipus unavoidable fate, “children die unborn, And labor is vain” (Sophocles 960). Oedipus is uncertain why this plague is taking place. Creon emphasizes that “It was murder that brought the plague-wind on the city” (Sophocles 962). Oedipus eagerly wanted to find the king Laios’ killer.

In Oedipus, the King, the main character, Oedipus, starts the play in the highest prestige, he is the King of Thebes and is held in high regard to almost all citizens for his prosperous reign. By the end of the play, Oedipus is vilified by his citizens and almost all the people of Thebes. I argue that Oedipus’ downfall is directly linked to his rejection of religious guidance and omens; namely, the Gods and the oracle. One could argue that no divine entity openly acts out toward Oedipus, however this analysis will focus on more indirect patterns and instances of divine action. Oedipus’ constant disapproval of religious consultation and figures is seen as a slight to the Gods and so they contribute to his fall from reign. These divine

A Tale of Two Cities, Romeo and Juliet. Names such as these bring to mind both plays and pieces of literature that are considered by many to be timeless classics. Perhaps the reason these stories are so popular is not just because they are well written. People are also able to relate to the characters who are often entangled in one of the many complexities within a given society. Authors such as Shakespeare or Charles Dickens are able to discuss some of the issues and problems that face people within society. The answers to the these issues are often left unclear. Providing the audience a chance to ponder these questions and decide for themselves if a certain view is right, wrong, or somewhere in between.

The plays Oedipus Rex and Antigone, written by Sophocles, display the themes defined by Aristotle. Are we the authors of our fate or is our fate written and destined to happen? In both plays, Oedipus and Antigone face their downfall because of self-will. They bring on their own doom because of their actions. The author explores many themes such as the high-standing and heroic traits of the tragic heroes as well as to the flaws and pride of Antigone and Oedipus. Finally, the author explores the theme of recognition and catastrophe. These topics are directly linked to the poetics of Aristotle. The two plays display many literary devices, the most significant ones being characterization and conflict. Oedipus and Antigone were of high-standing and had many heroic traits which influenced their actions.

The fate motif is brought to attention by Teiresias, the blind prophet, who Oedipus has gone to for a cure for the deadly plague in Thebes. Oedipus has just asked Teiresias to tell him the name of the murderer and after a long argument, Teiresias finally tells Oedipus he is the murderer and Oedipus scoffs saying he can not be harmed by Teiresias. Teiresias responds saying “True: it is not from me your fate will come. / That lies within Apollo’s competence it is his concern” (12).

All the way through this play Antigone is solely being devoted to her family. Antigone is eager to go above and beyond her limits for her family. Antigone is a vital character in this play. Antigone is a very brave, passionate, and willing character that is not enthusiastic about her brother being defiled even if it means her own life. Creon is a character that he knows all commandments and is influenced that he must abide it. Creon then has compassion for Antigone and attempts to get Antigone out of danger and suffering.

Oedipus provides his people comfort in search for the justice, but little does he know he himself is the murderer and the antithesis to “Apollo’s

Large-scale questions of such ideas are raised in Sophocles’ play, “Oedipus the King”—a story that deals with the tragic hero, Oedipus, and his demise. Oedipus progresses through the play struggling against his own wicked destiny: the prophecy that declares that he would kill his father and marry his mother. Ultimately, Oedipus fulfills this prophecy; in fact, he had completed his fate without his own knowing and before the play even begins. Despite his belief that he was fighting against his prophesized destiny, Oedipus was ironically fulfilling it, and he slowly brings about his own downfall. He becomes a victim of his own fate. In this regard, “Oedipus the King” explores a terrifying concept: Oedipus never had free will—a puppet in every sense to the higher beings that decided his ending for him.

Sophocles' tragedies "Oedipus Rex" and "Antigone" both present the character of Teiresias as being a strong individual who has supernatural powers and is dedicated to assisting society by using them. Even with this, the fact that his information mostly generates suffering around him makes it difficult for him to put across his thinking and is visibly a reason for pain rather than being a blessing. The character is often chastised as a result of the information that he provides, as individuals practically feel that he is responsible for the suffering that they experience. Teiresias actually claims that the protagonists "must trust a prophet's words" (Sophocles & Rudall). Both tragedies show him as a person who is reluctant to inform people with regard to what the future holds for them and both emphasize his unfortunate condition.

In my essay, I will discuss the concept of sacrifice in King Oedipus (Oedipus), where huge sacrifices are arguably necessary for a figure of authority. Oedipus also asserts that consequences vary according to the degree of power one holds, as seen from the huge tragedy experienced by Thebes due to Oedipus’ failure of sacrifice in his position as King. The tragedy affecting the whole of Thebes (political instability at the end of the play) is inherent to the play precisely due to Oedipus’ kingship.

Sophocles’ play, Oedipus the King, has risen many questions concerning the main character and whether or not he acts on free will or if his future is predestined by the gods. I am going to test the theory that although Oedipus believes he is acting on his own free will, he is in fact a victim of the gods. I will analyze several different sources that discuss fate and human agency in Oedipus the King and then proceed to build my original argument on the archaic debate.

Sophocles was an ancient Athenian playwright who lived from 497 to 406 BC. He, Aeschylus, and Euripides are the most celebrated Ancient Greek playwrights. Sophocles was even superior to them in some ways, as he won 18 competitions, while Aeschylus won 14 and Euripides, 5. Sophocles produced 120 plays over the course of his life, many of which were lost over time or not recorded. He was an innovative creator because of his works and major contribution to the world of Greek Drama: the third actor. While such a contribution may seem insignificant to modern readers and interpreters, the addition of the third actor allowed for many elements of Greek Drama to undergo significant changes. Such a change allowed for a diminished role of the previously

These quotes exemplify the dissention between Oedipus and Teiresias, as pride and conflict collide. It is of interest to note that, while Oedipus believes that he has power over the prophet. It is ironic that it is in reality the reverse. Teiresias held the power of knowledge over Oedipus. He had the power of introducing a poison in the conscience of Oedipus that would lead to his demise. The interaction of characters in this scene has proven to be an effective tool for revelation of character.