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##edragus The King : Oedipus The King

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In the play Oedipus the King by Sophocles, the main character, Oedipus is given the task to stop a plague that is taking over the city of Thebes. At the time, Oedipus was not aware that this task would reveal many secrets, many of which would leave without anything or anyone. In the article “Aristotle’s Ideas About Tragedy” he explains all the necessary components for a tragedy. This play has many of the characteristics that Aristotle thought categorized a story or play as a tragedy. Oedipustragic hero-like characteristics led him to his downfall. Due to his terrible mistake, ignorance about his past, and tragic flaw, Oedipus fulfills all the characteristics of a tragic hero.
For instance, Oedipus fulfills the characteristics of a tragic hero by committing a terrible mistake that requires a punishment, thereby causing his downfall. For instance, when Oedipus is talking to Jocasta he states,” In anger I struck the driver as he tried to crowd me off… I paid him back in full.... I killed the whole lot of them” he reveals that his anger drove him to do something he wa not proud of (45-46). This proves that Oedipus committed a terrible mistake that he is now going to be punished for doing it. This terrible mistake that he made, brought upon a second plague in Thebes and the only one responsible for it is Oedipus. Although he is not aware of it yet, that mistake will haunt him for the rest of his life. Because of this great mistake Oedipus is the perfect candidate to be a
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