The idea of a King needing advice from anyone spoils the King's own identity and 'royalty'. Oedipus, like most people in charge, doesn't need anyone telling him about things he doesn't understand; the King relies only upon himself. ... Oedipus' arrogance challenges the authority of "things hidden and has no use of the ˜truth' from any source other than his own; Oedipus believes he can summon 'truth' because he is the king. ... As all who were in the audience of this play were intimately aware of the Sparta's siege of Athens, the plague ...

• Word Count: 653
• Approx Pages: 3
• Grade Level: Undergraduate

Oedipus is seen as a tragic hero in the play, a principal character, in a position of social importance being the King of Thebes. ... In Oedipus Rex, it is not so much a hamartia that leads to his downfall, but more the role played by fate and destiny. ... When his nemesis occurs, the chorus, plays a crucial role in generating sympathy towards Oedipus. ... This contrasts with Oedipus at the beginning of the play, but nevertheless foreshadows Oedipus's own future, with the anargnorsis causing him to blind himself. ... The tragic nature of the play, is not only brought out by Oedipus&#...

• Word Count: 1270
• Approx Pages: 5
• Grade Level: Undergraduate

The Golden Rule of Civility In the epic of The Odyssey, Homer explores a variety of different themes that heavily influence Odysseus" quest to return home and re-claim his throne as the rightful King. ... Throughout the story, Homer depicts scenarios in which hospitality, both on the part of the guest and the host, plays a key role in the events that transpire. ... Although the generosity that Telemachos receives from others exemplifies the cultural importance of hospitality, it is the welcome that the King's son displays to others that made the return of his father possible. ... The su...

• Word Count: 1626
• Approx Pages: 7
• Grade Level: Undergraduate