Oedipus As A Tragic Hero - 1939 Words

Thesis Statement: Sophocles’ Oedipus is a perfect example of Aristotle’s definition of a tragic hero through the main characters prosperity to an emotional downfall caused by a tragic flaw. I. Oedipus is a Tragic Hero a. Definition of a tragic hero as defined by Aristotle i. Aristotelian tragic hero is defined (Aristotle 1961, p. 1453a). b. Oedipus falling into Aristotle’s tragic hero definition i. Aristotle directs us to Oedipus the King as a tragic hero (Bruening 1997, pp. 14-15). II. How Tragedy Affects the Audience a. Language of Tragedy i. Aristotle believes there is a present connection between tragedy and emotions (Konstan 1999, p. 1). b. Aristotle’s idea of a tragic plot i. Aristotle believes a tragic plot should be†¦show more content†¦Oedipus† (Aristotle 1961, p. 1453a). Aristotle’s definition of a tragic hero comprises the character Oedipus. Oedipus displays several qualities as a tragic hero to included the cause of his downfall. Even though Oedipus is not known as a wise scholar, he did have the ability to outwit the Sphinx and solve the riddle. This story of the Sphinx adds to his respect and sets up an emotional feel to like Oedipus’ character. Oedipus earns sanctification as a King by saving the natives of Thebes, which gains him more influence as he comes a consecrated King of the city. Even the Priest addresses Oedipus by saying, â€Å"Great Oedipus, O powerful King of Thebes† (Sophocles 425, p. 860). Oedipus’ character has sainthood like status. Even with his this status, Oedipus has a treacherous ethical wrongdoing. He is in an incest relationship with his mother, despite not knowing she was his mother. Using Aristotle’s definition, Oedipus’s downfall does not stem just from his evil. This downfall stems from his pride and a combination of different issues. One issue that contributes to Oedipus’ downfall is his anger. Oedipus becomes very angry when the blind prophet warns him by saying, â€Å"Am I to bear this from him? Damnation Take you! Out of this place! Out of myShow MoreRelatedOedipus As A Tragic Hero1506 Words   |  7 PagesA true hero does not merely wear a cape, but this individual possesses admirable characteristics. A hero inspires the people around him and he is honorable. Heroes influential individuals from fairytale stories and myths of a real-life hero. Yet, none of these influential people are perfect. The tragic hero is clearly defined by Aristotle as being a person of admirable character, yet completely human with noticeable flaws. Moreover, this individual is not exempt from suffering. In Sophocles’ tragicRead MoreOedipus-a Tragic Hero706 Words   |  3 PagesRunning head: Oedipus-A Tragic Hero Research Paper ENGL 102: Literature and Composition) Fall 2015 Melinda Meeds L26683811 APA Outline Thesis: In Sophocles’ â€Å"Oedipus†, Oedipus is exemplified as a tragic hero according to Aristotle’s definition because his story appeals to the reader’s humanity in the way he maintains his strengths after inadvertently causing his own downfall. I. Oedipus A. The noble birth. B. Describe Oedipus’ character. II. Tragedy A. DescribeRead MoreIs Oedipus A Tragic Hero?1167 Words   |  5 Pages2014 Is Oedipus a tragic hero? Aristotle, Ancient Greek philosopher whom did a lot of philosophizing, he believed in a logical reality. Aristotle’s objective was to come up with a universal process of reasoning that would allow man to learn every imaginable thing about reality. The initial process involved describing objects based on their characteristics, states of being and actions. 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Throughout the book, Oedipus is leading himself to his own destruction when trying to find the killer of the late King Laios. So when a journal article I found published by The John Hopk ins University Press stated that a â€Å"tragic hero is a manRead MoreOedipus, A Tragic Hero1648 Words   |  7 Pages Oedipus, a Tragic Hero Bob Livingston Liberty University â€Æ' Sophocles presented the world with Oedipus around 2500 years ago. Never-the-less, the story remains among the most riveting of all time. He was, in fact, a man that was driven by a very high internal moral standard. It was that internal moral standard that ultimately entwined him in a sequence of events and circumstances that placed him in the spousal relationship with his mother. 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Greek thinker, Aristotle, said there were certain elements that would make a person qualified as a â€Å"tragic hero.† (Adade-Ywboah, Ahenkora Amankwah, 2012). We think of heroes being larger than life, possessing impeccable honor, integrity, strong leadership and having the higher moral ground. However, tragic heroes are different; they are imperfect and will inevitably face a tragic downfall. Per Aristotle, there are