Oedipus The King-Changes Of The Tragic Hero

Changes of the Tragic Hero Tragedy is that of Lucifer falling from the light of heaven, no longer God’s shining child but instead a betrayer to his brothers and sister, feeling the flesh burn from his body, his wings torn in flames, as he falls from the graces of heavens and can do nothing but reminisce on his failures. What makes the tragic hero so tragic is the fact that they are usually depicted as a man above men, the pinnacle of humanities talents and goodness on full display; yet, even if they prove themselves to only be human as a mistake is all it takes for them to be brought to a terrible fate. Oedipus Rex exemplifies the tragic hero in its literal sense; he was an amazing man and a great king to his subjects, only to fall to a fate

Oedipus is renowned for being the “noblest of all the line/ of Kadmos” (Sophocles Exodos 1326-1327). The people revere him for his honesty and nobility; true care for the people of Thebes. Oedipus even mentions during the catastrophe happening during Thebes that “It is for them I suffer, more than myself.” (Sophocles Prologue 95). Sophocles characterizes Oedipus as a selfless ruler who truly feels sympathy for his people. Calling him the “noblest” of his line would not be inaccurate with the strong yet kind hand he rules Thebes over. This is what makes Oedipus, a man above men, a good man and ruler who truly just wants the best for his people. Such a man could be seen on the level of gods; yet, he never disrespects the gods by claiming himself as one. Instead, it is his insult of the gods that they are nothing great that ruins him. Oedipus starts out great but due to the hands of fate takes a plunge from the heavens and becomes the lowest of man. Disobeying the gods never goes well and Sophocles through the story of Oedipus teaches the lesson of how a great man could fall if they disobey the gods; King Oedipus became a blind peasant who lost status and respect in the eyes of the world. Oedipus is a warning tale made for the people during the time, who put the gods at the forefront and were told to respect and obey them. Insulting the gods in any way would

Lear, from the beginning, characterizes himself as a terrible person and King. He gives his daughter the chance to “say doth love us most” (Shakespeare Act 1 Scene 1 pg. 49). Lear bases the taking over portions of his kingdom by words that could absolutely have no truth; and when the only daughter who truly loves him refuses to say anything, Lear tells her to “hence and avoid my sight” (Shakespeare Act 1, Scene 1, pg. 55). He outcasts the only daughter who shows true kindness and love towards him; embarrassing her and calling her unmarriable in front of everyone. When Kent, his loyal servant of many years, attempts to have Lear see reason and to not be so harsh on Cordelia he tells Kent he has “Five days we do allot thee for provision/ To shield thee from disasters of the world,/ And on the sixth to turn they hated back/ Upon our kingdom.” (Shakespeare Act 1, Scene 1, pg. 59). He constantly makes the foolish choice to push those who truly care about his well being away from him while letting those who have ill will toward him. Shakespeare makes Lear the most unlikable person to go against the usual noble stature. In doing so, it makes Lear redemption into a better person and his loss of everything all the more heartbreaking. Lear bettered himself as a person by being able to relate to those in poor positions. Yet,