Oedipus is seen as a tragic hero in the play, a principal character, in a position of social importance being the King of Thebes. ... If Oedipus had a serious harmatia, it was his hubris. The impetuous slaying of Laius could be attributed to Oedipus's pride and rash nature. ... Oedipus's nemesis results in a cathartic effect. ... 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. ...

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

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. ... 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, I'll do anything." This immediately portrays Oedipus as a character who readers are appealed to due to his attributes that are conveye...

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

For example, in the production of Antigone, a male will play the characters of Antigone and Ismene, the two daughters of Oedipus and Iokaste. ... In context and in performance, the tragic heroine of Antigone is in fact Antigone, niece of King Kreon, sister of Ismene, and fiancé of Haimon. ... At the end of the play, Antigone hangs herself in her cell, Haimon stabs himself in his own misery, and King Kreon is left alone. ... Antigone fits this description of Aristotle's ideal tragic heroine because her insistence on her desire to bury Polynices to the point of her own death locat...

• Word Count: 1410
• Approx Pages: 6
• Grade Level: Undergraduate