Peripartia In Sophocles Oedipus The King

Sophocles’ Oedipus Rex flawlessly demonstrates Aristotle’s definition of a tragic hero through the protagonist, Oedipus. As required, the character exhibits errors of judgement, reversal of fortune due to such judgement, and acknowledgement of their self-inflicted misfortune. In addition, Oedipus exhibits extreme pride and receives a fate much colder than deserved. Shortly into the play, Oedipus reveals his hamartia, or flaw in judgement, when he refuses and mocks the advice of the blind prophet after it’s not to his liking. “You have no power or truth. You are blind, your ears and mind as well as eyes.” (Sophocles, 23) Had Oedipus heeded the prophet’s truth, he would no longer qualify as a tragic hero, and would lack his tragic blunder of judgement. Preceding this, Tiresias, the blind prophet, had begged of Oedipus to “Dismiss me, send me home. That will be the easiest way for both of us to bear our burden.” (Sophocles, 19) Oedipus was quick to turn this offer down, resulting in the reveal of his sins, the murder of his father and …show more content…
The protagonist is introduced as a beloved sovereign and hero. “Oedipus – power to whom all men turn – man of experience – noblest of men, we beg you, save this city. Thebes now calls you its savior…” (Sophocles, 7) However, because he refuses Tiresias’ pity—his poor judgement—a reversal of fortune occurs: his wife commits suicide, incest is revealed, and Oedipus is struck with the curse he unknowingly placed upon himself. This reversal and his enlightenment to it occur at once. “It has all come true. – I stand revealed—born of shame, married in shame, an unnatural murderer.” (Sophocles, 69) Therefore, Oedipus provides two more qualities of a tragic hero—the reversal of destiny, and the understanding that he brought it upon