In Robert Fagles' translation of the play "Oedipus the King", Sophocles explores many important themes of Greek tragedy such as fate and free will, wisdom and knowledge, determination and power through the effective use of his language, symbols and motifs and setting. In this essay, I will discuss how these themes are clearly portrayed to the reader and how the story is made more powerful through the use of them. Firstly, the story is one that introduces the main character, Oedipus, very positively. ... This is evident on pages 12-13 when Oedipus says, "I am ready to help,...

• Word Count: 511
• Approx Pages: 2
• Grade Level: Undergraduate

Based on Aristotle's interpretation of tragedy, one may conclude that the theme of tragic heroism is a recurring and essential theme in the development not only of Oedipus's character but also of the play for it is an element that makes the work of literature a tragedy. ... Creon informs Oedipus that in order to save Thebes, he must solve the murder of the previous king, Lauis, who was killed at crossroads years ago. ... In addition to promptly summarizing the play, Marjorie discusses Aristotle embeds his interpretations and views into what he might arguably consider his "perfect tr...

• Word Count: 1098
• Approx Pages: 4
• Grade Level: Undergraduate

In Oedipus the King, the major reversal occurs when the messenger comes to cheer Oedipus and free him from his alarms about his mother. But, by revealing who he is, he only confirms Oedipus's worst fears, thus creating the opposite effect from the one intended. Additionally, he argues that through recognition, the hero discovers some truth about his or her identity (as in Sophocles's Oedipus the King) or actions that accompany the reversal of the situation in the plot. In the example of Oedipus the King, Oedipus's realization that he is, in fact, his father's murderer and h...

• Word Count: 1068
• Approx Pages: 4
• Has Bibliography
• Grade Level: Undergraduate