ipl-logo

Examples Of Hubris In Oedipus

1419 Words6 Pages

IN WHAT MANNER DOES SOPHOCLES PORTRAY OEDIPUS’ HUBRIS TO SUPPLEMENT THE TRAGIC IMPACT OF THE PLAY?

In ancient Athens, hubris denoted an act of degradation towards someone, while currently, it is defined as excessive pride or self-reliance. Oedipus Rex, written by Sophocles near the year 430 BC, is well acquainted with the term. The play is based on a Greek myth, following Oedipus’ pursuit of the truth behind his past and its devastating implications. The author emphasizes the theme of hubris to supplement the tragic impact of the play through the meticulous presentation of the protagonist’s rise to power, the supporting characters, Oedipus’ personality traits, and the use of literary devices.

Remarkably, the author brings a deep insight into …show more content…

He believes that his intelligence and bravery alone are sufficient to combat any possible obstacles, regardless of those that wish to help him. Creon for example states, “If you think that stubbornness is of value apart from reason, you are a madman!”. Oedipus lacks the capability to trust others and comprehend that they are not necessarily against him, with certain characters even trying to prevent the outcome from being more fatal. He sincerely believes that he is correct and the rest are mistaken, “Come then, say, by the gods, did you think me a fool or coward that you would weave these schemes?”. Inevitably, the representation of Oedipus’ personality leads to numerous questions about the turn the events would have taken if he had acted with more humility and open-mindedness. This causes frustration among readers and requires them more time to digest the …show more content…

For instance, he initially feels superior over Tiresias, “But you did not come forth with this, knowing some clue from birds or gods; instead I came along, the idiot Oedipus!”. His presumptuousness later fuels his disappointment, especially once he reflects on the unsuccessful endeavours at avoiding the prophecy and how his self-entitlement is based on an illusion. The crux of the matter is, hubris is present in all societies; it causes individuals to overestimate their capacities and underestimate the costs of their actions. Therefore, the effect of the story becomes more poignant, considering that individuals are able to further relate to Oedipus. This empathetic connection with the character forms a stronger emotional response from the audience, leading to a larger and more meaningful sense of catharsis once they reach the ultimate

Show More
Related
369 Words | 2 Pages

So, what is hubris any way? as defined, “excessive pride or self-confidence; arrogance.” Oedipus tragic flaws cause his death and leads to his downfall because of this. Throughout the story, Oedipus has felt a need to treat himself above everyone else.

Read More
170 Words | 1 Pages

In Sophocles’s Oedipus Rex, Oedipus’ impulsive behavior and stubbornness leads to his catastrophic downfall. Oedipus “levels terrible charges” (574) at Creon because he believes that Creon conspired with Tiresias to kill King Laius. Instead of proceeding “calmly” and “rationally” (652), Oedipus accuses Creon of “scheming to steal [his] crown and power” (598). Oedipus refuses to let Creon defend himself. Moreover, Oedipus does not have evidence to prove his accusations against Creon.

Read More
1497 Words | 6 Pages

A second reinforcement of hubris by Sophocles is in Oedipus at Colonus. It is at the segment in the play when Oedipus is under host of Theseus, King of Athens, and King Creon of Thebes comes to take Oedipus for himself. Creon only wants Oedipus back from banishment because wherever Oedipus dies, there will be prosperity. However, Oedipus will not honor the city where his sons banished him from when he is not guilty. King Theseus accuses Creon of hubris and says, "I know / How guest to host ought to comport himself. /

Read More
1398 Words | 6 Pages

Not only is Oedipus seen as hubristic, but also as uncharismatic for his thoughts that he alone holds power over the city. Additionally, Creon tells Oedipus he should not rule if he is going to be a poor leader and

Read More
1051 Words | 5 Pages

Another explanation on the effects of hubris occurs when Oedipus is discovering more details about this foretold prophecy, and nothing will prevent him from discovering the truth, despite Jocasta begging him to halt his search. “Pride breeds the tyrant violent pride, gorging, crammed to bursting with all that is overripe and rich with ruin—clawing up to the heights, headlong pride crashes down the abyss—sheer doom!” (Lines 963-967). This surplus of pride being part of Oedipus’ downfall is one that is repeated throughout the entire play. Oedipus is an extremely proud man because he is commended as the King of Thebes and for defeating the Sphinx.

Read More
657 Words | 3 Pages

Oedipus’ Tragic Hero Essay Pride is a deep feeling of satisfaction that comes from one’s achievements. In the play, Oedipus by Sophocles, the tragic hero, Oedipus, displays pride which substantially impacts his life. Oedipus, the king of Thebes, has had a difficult life. Since his birth, he has been wanted dead. He ends up surviving, killing his father, becoming king, and marrying his mother.

Read More
628 Words | 3 Pages

In response, Creon makes an alleged statement of how Oedipus understands nothing. Oedipus’s lack of vision explains his foolishness in thinking that he is in power, and that he has or is in control of anything and everything. He fastens himself onto the value of hope in exonerating himself. In other words he yearns for the feel of being free from such a shameful intimate prophesy. As the story goes on, it continues to emphasize the aura of desperation that is within Oedipus.

Read More
626 Words | 3 Pages

Hubris is the overbearing pride or presumption, arrogance. Oedipus was the king of Thebes, Creon being also the king of Thebes after the death of Oedipus, and Antigone the daughter of the late king Oedipus. In the plays, Oedipus the King and Antigone, Sophocles, the author, explains to the readers how hubris led to the downfall of Oedipus, Antigone, and Creon. In the play, Oedipus, Sophocles informs the readers how Oedipus pride led him to his downfall.

Read More
411 Words | 2 Pages

Thesis:In Sophocles play ‘Oedipus the king’,Oedipus is an example of a tragic hero because he changed from a hero at the beginning of the play into a tragic hero by the end by experiencing power,tragic flow,downfall and death. Oedipus changes into a person no can believe of,because in the beginning he was a hero for the city of thebes by solving a riddle to defeat the monster that was killing and taking over thebes. Claim:Before the play Oedipus defeats sphinx and becomes a powerful king,At the beginning of the play people rely on Oedipus’s power and help. Data:For example the priest says “Oedipus greatest in all men’s eyes We pray,find some strength again and rescue or city”. Warrant:From this quote readers can see that how empowered oedipus feels like and how people in thebes rely on him,Clearly this scene represents the power stage of the tragic hero.

Read More
1053 Words | 5 Pages

Oedipus the King, by Sophocles, is really a story about the necessity of placing more faith in others and their counsel than in oneself and one’s own beliefs. Repeatedly the titular character is pleaded with to listen to and accept the advice of those around him and each time he refuses to obey. Ultimately, Oedipus’ tendency to do perform the actions he would prefer to do rather than to allow his family to help guide him leads to his downfall and loss of the throne. A common characteristic of Greek tragedy is the “fatal flaw” of the main character and how this flaw leads to the character’s misfortune.

Read More
577 Words | 3 Pages

Oedipus was a tragic hero he was seen as a great man and was king,but he fell to misfortune because of his disability to see past his pride and anger which led to his demise. By not being able to see past his pride and anger Oedipus was not able to to avoid his prophetic destiny. He was blinded by his pride and anger so much that it became his tragic flaw ultimately leading him to his

Read More
1286 Words | 6 Pages

Sophocles uses dramatic irony to show the ignorance of Oedipus Rex as he cannot see the truth. Oedipus cannot see the truth because his hubris is encouraged by the people and himself. Oedipus’ ignorance is also clearly displayed after an effort to save his city. Although Oedipus is a fictional character created thousands of years ago, his actions can easily connect to many people in today 's society. The theme conveyed in Sophocles play Oedipus Rex is hubris often results in one 's ignorance.

Read More
1085 Words | 5 Pages

Every character in stories or in plays has their flaws and strengths; Oedipus is no exception to this. Oedipus has his strengths and weaknesses that shape him into the character he is perceived to be in the play. He is intellectual which is why the city looks up to him, he is caring, and tenacious. Like any other character Oedipus also has his flaws, he jumps to conclusions and makes rash decisions, he has anger issues, and hubris which eventually leads to his downfall. Intelligence is something that is highly respected in individuals, especially in leaders.

Read More
1159 Words | 5 Pages

Oedipus who tries to make Creon looks like an evil person explains to Jocasta, his wife that he caught Creon in the act of wanting to stab him, which was not the case. “Precisely, I caught him in the act, Jocasta, plotting, about to stab me in the back” (Qtd in Barnet, Burto, & Cain, p. 1117). Oedipus who was challenging and discourteous most of the time violent temper plays a significant role in his downfall makes him a tragic flaw. Another tragedy of Oedipus as a tragic hero was that he was a proud man, who thinks he knew it all and would not listen to anyone. One of his greatest acts of hubris was that he denies his fate of the oracle and defy the prophecies of the gods that later came to reality, and despite his growing up in Corinth he was a son of the land of Thebes.

Read More
1056 Words | 5 Pages

Through such characterization, Sophocles heightens the emotions in the play by demonstrating how these traits contribute to the catastrophic conclusion. Sophocles deliberately depicts Oedipus as a seemingly infallible yet prideful ruler in order to augment the subsequent devastation Oedipus causes, thus realizing the vision of an Aristotelian tragedy. Aristotle identifies nobleness in character as a characteristic of a tragic hero. Oedipus personifies this criterion; he is revered as one of the most adept rulers in all of Greece. Indeed, he constantly reminds himself that “I am a king . . .

Read More

More about Examples Of Hubris In Oedipus

Related Topics

Open Document