Aristotle, the famous Greek Philosopher once stated, “A man doesn 't become a hero until he can see the root of his own downfall” (Gutenberg.org). Aristotle believes that only real heroes can identify their weakness and furthermore prevent it. During the time of Ancient Greek theater, this statement gave rise to the idea of more complex characters, such as the Aristotelian Tragic Hero. The tragic hero can be defined as one that starts in a high place of honor and nobility; suffers from a tragic flaw, or hamartia, that causes his downfall; experiences a realization which moves him from blindness to sight; face his downfall with honor and dignity; and causes the audience or Chorus to experience pity and fear. In Sophocles’ play, Oedipus the King,
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Toward the end of the play, Oedipus sees his wife dead and feels the need to stab his eyes out: “He ripped out the golden pins with which her clothes fastened, raised them high and speared his eyes” (73). When Oedipus realizes the truth of his identity, his metaphorical blindness due to his pride disappears. However, since knowing the truth appalls him, he decides to take away his sight. Sophocles uses the irony of Oedipus becoming literally blind to show that mankind cannot see their tragic flaws, and when they understand them, it is often too late. Oedipus connects with the tragic hero also by accepting responsibility and dignity for his actions and giving himself punishment. Moreover, the chorus shows pity and fear for Oedipus during his downfall to connect with the archetype. When Oedipus suffers and explains his actions, the chorus reacts, “I am moved to pity by your misfortunes and your understanding of them, too. I wish I had never known you!” (75). Because Oedipus’ strengths are greater than his weaknesses, the chorus experiences catharsis towards him. They feel so pitiful for him that they think it would have been better if they “had never known” Oedipus. The people of Thebes hate to see their once great leader crumble in shame. Oedipus demonstrates the Aristotelian tragic hero in that he suffers a tremendous downfall that causes the audience to experience pity and
Toward the end of the play, Oedipus sees his wife dead and feels the need to stab his eyes out: “He ripped out the golden pins with which her clothes fastened, raised them high and speared his eyes” (73). When Oedipus realizes the truth of his identity, his metaphorical blindness due to his pride disappears. However, since knowing the truth appalls him, he decides to take away his sight. Sophocles uses the irony of Oedipus becoming literally blind to show that mankind cannot see their tragic flaws, and when they understand them, it is often too late. Oedipus connects with the tragic hero also by accepting responsibility and dignity for his actions and giving himself punishment. Moreover, the chorus shows pity and fear for Oedipus during his downfall to connect with the archetype. When Oedipus suffers and explains his actions, the chorus reacts, “I am moved to pity by your misfortunes and your understanding of them, too. I wish I had never known you!” (75). Because Oedipus’ strengths are greater than his weaknesses, the chorus experiences catharsis towards him. They feel so pitiful for him that they think it would have been better if they “had never known” Oedipus. The people of Thebes hate to see their once great leader crumble in shame. Oedipus demonstrates the Aristotelian tragic hero in that he suffers a tremendous downfall that causes the audience to experience pity and