Oedipus Rex Character Analysis - 1419 Words

Sophocles was a tragedian writer in Greece, 497/ 496 BC, who aspired to create unique plays that contrasted against Greek society. In most literature, there is a clear division between the roles and characteristics of man and woman. While this play is a heroic archetype, Jocasta’s role in the play contrasts against Oedipus’s role, within the play â€Å"Oedipus Rex† to convey different emotions. The roles portrayed by the characters showcase that Sophocles specified each character to represent and illustrate a type of emotion and a specific trait that added to his play, while giving a profound plot with entertaining conflict. Sophocles’ tragedy â€Å"Oedipus Rex† demonstrates his uses of conscience/morality/religion vs. pride/power to illustrate†¦show more content†¦Oedipus wants to acknowledge that Tiresias had no power in the situation and that, without Oedipus, neither the city nor the people would have known what to do about the sphinx. â€Å"Even though the riddle could not be solved by the first man who met it, but required prophecy. But you did not come forth with this, knowing some clue from birds or gods; instead I came along, the idiot Oedipus! I stopped her, working from intellect, not learning from birds. The very man you’re trying to overthrow, thinking to stand beside Creon’s throne. I think you both—— you and the one who framed these things——will regret your urge to cleanse the land, but if you were not so old, you’d learn now what such words earn,† (Sophocles 408-419). Oedipus feels like Tiresias and Creon are both after his throne, his arrogance showing its head, and that Tiresias is withholding the truth from him. Oedipus had let the fame of taking down the sphinx and having the fortune of becoming king, take over his modesty and humbleness. Jocasta’s reposeful guidance to the root of the animosity between Oedipus and Tiresias helps her realize the weight of the prophecy. Although at first unaware of the accuracy concerning her family, the animosity confirms Oedipus’ suspicions. To avoid angering Oedipus more by calling his behavior brashShow MoreRelatedCharacter Analysis Of Oedipus Rex943 Words   |  4 PagesSophocles’ Greek tragedy, Oedipus Rex, Thebes is being punished by the gods for a crime committed far in the past. The city of Thebes is cursed with a plague until the murderer of Laius is discovered and banished from the land. As Creon and Oedipus work to save Thebes, their different qualities show who is a better fit to be king. 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