September 2005

World Literature

OEDIPUS: A TRAGIC HERO

Through out history, every civilization has recorded great accomplishments completed by their Kings. Stories have been told expressing their admiration, being passed down from one generation onto the next until their feats become forever etched into history or onto monuments built in their honor. Great Epics illustrate characteristics that only a King or a hero could posses, leaving one in fascination and awe. However, the saga of Oedipus, written by Sophocles, depicts another, more grim account of one King's colossal legacy. Oedipus, King of Thebes, Conquer of the Sphinx's almighty riddles, fell from the pinnacle of reverence down into the depths of despair. Despite Oedipus' personable characteristics, his downfall can ultimately be attributed to his immense pride and ignorance. The cycle of demise was fueled by his immense pride and began with his ignorance towards Tiresias' prophecy, continued with his inability...