In Sophocles' Oedipus as well as Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, the main character embarks on a journey to self-discovery, ultimately gaining the knowledge of his own flaws. Yet the differences in their failings cause the two characters to have very different endings. After Oedipus learns of his true identity, he realizes that he has cursed himself with his arrogance and pride, and the play ends tragically. Sir Gawain, on the other hand, has good reason for his mistakes as he simply fears for his own life and his story ends on a lighter note. While self-discovery can humble a character, the nature of his flaws ultimately determine his end.

Initially Oedipus appears blind to the knowledge of his heritage, but, by the end of the play he gains the horrifying knowledge of his true identity and the information he has indeed fulfilled the prophecy. Once Oedipus...