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Leadership In Sophocles Oedipus The King

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Oedipus the King by Sophocles is a tragic play that examines fate, knowledge, and the nature of leadership. These topics are addressed in a variety of ways throughout the play, illustrating the complexity of human existence and the difficulties we encounter when faced with our own limitations and frailties.
The concept of fate is the first theme covered in Oedipus the King. It is abundantly obvious from the opening moment that Oedipus is a guy who is at the mercy of his fate. When Creon tells Oedipus that Thebes is experiencing a plague, Oedipus says, “Well I know you are sick to death, all of you, but sick as you are, not one is sick as I” (162.71-73). This quote demonstrates Oedipus' insight that his destiny is unavoidable and interwoven with the future of the city. …show more content…

Oedipus is fascinated with learning the truth about his history throughout the play, and his unrelenting search for information ultimately brings him to ruin. When Oedipus confronts the shepherd who saved him when he was a baby, he says, “Speak out, I bid you! Do not cover up a crime that is not yours” (242.1346-1347). This passage emphasizes Oedipus' quest for the truth, no matter how unpleasant or damaging it may be.
Finally, Oedipus the King has leadership as a major theme. Although Oedipus is shown as a charismatic and capable leader, his hubris ultimately brings about his demise. When Oedipus addresses Thebans for the first time, he says, “Well I know you are sick to death, all of you, but sick as you are, not one is sick as I” (162.71-73). This passage emphasizes Oedipus' self-assurance in his capacity to address the city's issues while also hinting at his eventual demise as a leader unable to acknowledge his own

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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.

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