Character And Suffering Aspects Of The Play Oedipus Rex

Oedipus Rex is a play that works on extremes. First of all, Oedipus, the protagonist of the play inadvertently kills father, Laius and performs the act of incest with his mother Jocasta. He lives in ignorance until his deeds necessitates consequences which is when Thebes is in turmoil. The tension that is built throughout the play goes through a cathartic moment when Oedipus goes on a self imposed exile. Aristotle uses this play to show how it meets the requirements of being an ideal triagedy. Aristotle, provides many requirements, but for the purpose of this essay I will be focusing on the plot, character and suffering aspects of the play. Aristotle asserts that in a tragedy that the plot must contain â€Å" a certain magnitude is necessary, and a magnitude which may be easily embraced in one view†. In essence, what Aristotle is stating is that there must be an intensity in a plot, a universal truth which readers can relate or resonate to. One of which is man’s search for truth. Upon meeting Odysseus Teiresias, the blind prophet, that the â€Å"†¦The truth within me makes me strong† (424-425). Teiresias also discusses with Oedipus that the truth is of no value to him. It is inferred from the quote that there is a certain power, or strength that comes from truth, but since the truth which is he knows is of no value to him, because it does not pertain to him. Oedipus whose thirst for knowledge causes him to discover his misdeeds does provide a commendable moral. On one hand, it showsShow MoreRelatedDiscuss The Importance Of Oracles To Oedipus Rex1620 Words   |  7 Pages1. Discuss the importance of oracles to the ancient Greeks and specifically, to Oedipus Rex. Include a consideration about whether human actions are the result of predestination (Fate/Destiny) or free will. What does Sophocles seem to believe on this issue? 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