King Oedipus example essay topic

So pure hearted and genuine is Oedipus in Sophocles' Ancient Greek tragedy, "King Oedipus", that he expresses an unconditional commitment to locate and bring to justice the killer of the previous King of Thebes, Laius. Oedipus, a man struck with a curse when born, was destined to kill his father, Laius, and marry his mother Jocasta. Blind to the truth of his proper biological parents, Oedipus is led to face the unpalatable fact of his guilt in the death of Laius. Even though, Oedipus was oblivious to the truth of the connections between himself, Laius and Jocasta. The shocking revelations that reach him also destroy his life, as he is forced to uphold his commitment, as king of Thebes, and save his people at great personal expense. Our first impression of Oedipus is of a ruler of integrity.

He is so keen to know what troubles his subjects that he meets with them personally. He declines to discuss the matter with Creon in private, preferring to do so in front of his people. He asks Creon what "message for us from the mouth of God" will help them uncover "the faded traces of that far distant crime". Creon replies "seek, and ye shall find unsought goes undetected". Consequently, this ambiguous advice might suggest that it is better to let sleeping dogs lie. However, it also suggests the heroic nature of Oedipus as he actively pursues the truth.

Oedipus throws himself into the investigation, showing himself to be an intelligent dedicated investigator. Anyone who stands in his way is treated with impatience and suspicion. Teiresias reluctance to answer questions is interpreted as hostile, and Oedipus switches from flattery to bullying and blasphemous abuse. He declares that he will "speak his mind unflinchingly", shows the passion that Oedipus has for his people and willingness to save them from the famine and pestilence that has wracked Thebes. Consequently, the determination Oedipus shows to his people and wholehearted attempts to find the killer of Laius, prove further that, Oedipus posses the true qualities of a hero. The tale told by Jocasta instill the firsts doubts in Oedipus' mind that he himself may indeed be the murderer he is seeking.

He recognises instantly what the consequences will be if this is true. "There is no escape; the finger points at me", show Oedipus' uncertainty in pursuing the fight to save Thebes from their pestilence. However, to his credit, this does nothing to halt the momentum of his investigation. Consequently, the ability of Oedipus to put the town dilemma in front of his own, further illustrates his heroic ability. Despite knowing what the consequences of his worst fears about his murder of King Laius and marriage to his mother Jocasta will be, Oedipus refuses to consider Jocasta's advice to live from day to day and according to chance. Instead, he is determined to get to the bottom of the mystery, by summoning the old Shepherd who saved him when he was a baby left for dead.

When like Teiresias, the Shepard shows a reluctance to tell Oedipus what he knows "What man is that, sir? Where would I have seen him? , Oedipus still insists that the truth must come out for the good of the town, "However vile! However base it be, I must unlock the secret of my birth". The courageous impulse of Oedipus, leads to the unfortunate discovery that he is in fact he is the killer of King Laius. Consequently, Oedipus saves the city but in doing so is turned into a pariah and an outcast.

However, the deeds shown by Oedipus, a man who sacrificed his life for the well being of his town, demonstrates his hero-like qualities. While we may feel that Oedipus is punished for hubris, our sympathies lie with him, for he is punished primarily for unintended sins he uncovers due to his commitment to Thebes and his heroic, courageous determination to find the truth. There is a measure in all things and in Oedipus we see a man whose suffering far exceeds his faults. However, at the end we learn that his suffering doesn't stop his search for the truth.

This allowed him to come to the realisation of the knowledge of his responsibilities, and his brave acceptance of guilt, which bring out the true hero that lives within Oedipus..