Oedipus Rex by Sophocles is a classical Greek tragedy. ... Oedipus, the main character, remains on stage for nearly the entire play, sets up all the tragedy. ... The ancient Greeks cited the myth of Oedipus as a striking example of how human fortunes can suffer unexpected drastic reversals, how even good and noble people can suffer at the hands of fate or the will of the gods. ... And when Oedipus says, "whoever killed king Laius might who knows? ... The fundamental irony in Oedipus Rex that stems from the fact which the audience knows king Oedipus's true identity, while he is unaware of ...

• Word Count: 703
• Approx Pages: 3
• Grade Level: High School

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

The two examples that are reflected on are Sophocles' Oedipus the King and E. ... The key difference between the tragic heroes in each example is Oedipus was a King, a figure of nobility, and Willy was an average man. ... Oedipus The King The tragedy that exists in Oedipus is that of the classical tragic hero wherein the plot presents a reversal of fortune in the life of a renowned person, a king in this case. ... Oedipus was a true tragic hero. ... Arthur Miller's describes how Willy is a tragic hero in a modern sense in his "Tragedy of the Common Man". ...

• Word Count: 1107
• Approx Pages: 4
• Has Bibliography
• Grade Level: High School

Oedipus Rex follows the clear nature of a tragedy, in that it encompasses the common conventions of a Greek Tragedy, with ones life being controlled by fate and the gods. ... Oedipus is seen as a tragic hero in the play, a principal character, in a position of social importance being the King of Thebes. ... He is blind to the truth, irrelevant of how hard he seeks it. ... Using irony allows Sophocles to tantalize the audience into wanting to see how the events occurring mentally affect Oedipus regardless of whether they are already aware of the story. ... The tragedy of Oedipus Rex is convey...

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

We realize Oedipus is damning himself when he declares punishment on he who has murdered King Laios. ... This introduces pity, which makes this tragedy so powerful. ... They are glad they weren't the ones to experience this tragedy. ... He says, "he represents Oedipus as a man who believes he is the measure of all things, but shows how the belief leads him to the recognition that he is not who he thought he was" (Wilson,3). This is the catch of the play: Oedipus is a character easy to connect with and when he fails it brings us comfort knowing that we didn't have to suffer ...

• Word Count: 1070
• Approx Pages: 4
• Has Bibliography

The story of Oedipus Rex takes the form of a tragedy. ... Instead, Oedipus was adopted by Polybus (the king of Corinth), were he grew up under the impression that he was the son of the king and queen. ... A love that is so strong, that caused Oedipus to banish himself from the parents he loved not only as a child, but while he was also a king. ... She therefore proved how influential she was, once she adopted a masculine state of mind. ... Finally Oedipus proved his masculinity and power to rule once he had become King and Thebes and ruled over his people with and iron fist. ...

• Word Count: 1200
• Approx Pages: 5
• Grade Level: High School