Essay | Significant Flaws of Oedipus the Wrathful, Rash, Arrogant King

Sophocles' "Oedipus the King" is a tale that revisits the archetypycal tragic hero figure and examines the many reasons for his inevitable downfall. Oedipus, King of Thebes, is foretold by the god Apollo to kill his biological father and marry his mother. Through the progression of the story, the truth of the prophecy is revealed along with Oedipus' many flaws of character that contribute to his tragic end. Following a common trend in Grecian drama, Oedipus possesses hubris, or excessive pride in his intelligence and invincibility. In overestimating his capabilities, he is unreceptive to advice that would have prevented the tragic events from occurring. Furthermore, he is hasty and reckless in action, a trait that directly sets the prophecy of Apollo into motion. Above all, he is temperamental and wrathful, and in anger becomes unreasonable and ignorant of many key facts. ...
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