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Comparing Aristotle's Oedipus Rex And The High-Minded Man

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Oedipus Rex Essay

“Destiny guides us towards a specific, but without our willful participation we will not achieve our destiny” quoted Lee Bladon. Destiny or fate seems too often misused as a vague scapegoat. An unforeseen dramatic irony of sorts. Thanks to the Greek stories and plays of the classical age, fate is thought to be linked to the tragic outcome of an individual's life. In addition to the concept of fate and destiny included in The Oedipus Plays, high mindedness was not a tragedy gifted to Oedipus regardless of whether fate had any involvement. Following Aristotle's “The High-Minded Man”, Oedipus qualifies as one due to his pursuit of truth, openness of his hate and love and as well as his virtuous soul. Aristotle’s “The High-Minded …show more content…

Due to his kin’s cursed heritage, he only wants to see that they will not suffer in life. Because of Oedipus’ fate, they will remain alone and judged by all. This depicts Aristotle’s maxim, as the high minded man above all things is an honourable one. Fate may have destroyed Oedipus’ life but his honour to his family and his name prevents any more tragedy linked to himself for his children. Only the greatest of men value the virtue of honour above all things; even themselves. Aristotle believed that the high minded man sought truth, was open in his internal affairs and cherished the virtue of honour. Although Oedipus was doomed by destiny and fate, he did not let this define his high characteristic and his right to exuberate these maxims. Fate says that no matter what you do, your future is "written". Thus if you should learn of your fate and try to avoid it, that which you try to avoid will come to pass no matter what. This is contrary to our experience, as we know that our personal actions will determine the path of our future every bit as much as other factors beyond our direct influence. In all honesty it almost seems trivial to pursue or ponder whether our lives are predetermined by fate. If it is not we live as we please with the virtues and morals of our choosing. If it is, we do the same. From The Oedipus Plays we learn that although fate controls the physical aspect of our lives, it will never govern whether we are high minded or

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