Oedipus Tragic Flaw

Sophocles’ play Oedipus Rex is arguably one of the greatest tragedies ever written. Written and performed in Ancient Greece, Oedipus is a character well known to the Greeks, forever remembered as an example of one’s inability to escape their fate. According to Aristotle’s Poetics, a tragic hero faces a change in fortune “from good to bad”, as a result of “frailty in character” – otherwise known as hamartia or a tragic flaw (McManus, par 10). In Oedipus Rex, Oedipus exemplifies the paradigm of a tragic hero, specifically through his tragic flaws (or hamartia) of ignorance and anger, and is utilized by Sophocles’ to evoke feelings of fear and pity from within the audience. Although Sophocles’ intended for Oedipus to relate to the audience of

One aspect of Oedipus’ tragic flaw is his ignorance, which ultimately contributes to his downfall. Oedipus remembers the prophecy spoken to him before coming to Thebes, “…I should wed my mother, and produce a race intolerable for men to see, and be my natural father’s murderer” (Sophocles 29). Yet, he seems to be unaware throughout the play when those facts come to light. In actuality, it is ironic that Oedipus demonstrates such a high level of ignorance throughout the play, as his wisdom and intelligence are revered by all those in Thebes. His crowning achievement is deciphering the Sphinx’s riddle that had plagued Thebes for so long, and receiving the title of King by marrying Queen Jocasta. He is known for his wisdom and is admired by the people who think of him as a great leader. However, as a new plague settles on the city, Oedipus is unable to determine how to stop it. He calls for the oracle Tiresias, and demands to know who is the former king Laius’ murderer for they have caused all the chaos within the city. Tiresias, knowledgeable of Oedipus’ past, refuses to reveal the truth, knowing it

Critical to the creation of the ideal tragic hero, he must be respected by the audience so that his downfall is all the more catastrophic. Oedipus has a high social standing as the King of Thebes, and cares deeply for his subjects; “There is not one of you so sick as I” (Sophocles 3). His wisdom and sympathy demonstrate that he has the potential to be a great leader. However, he has flaws within his character that make him relatable as well. For instance, his ignorance is relatable to the audience. Oedipus’ constant denial and/or obliviousness to the truth follows him throughout the play. Even when people such as Tiresias and Jocasta implore that he stop seeking answers, he is persistent. The Ancient Greeks, already knowing the story of Oedipus, would quickly begin to pity him. They watched the play already aware of the truth, and watching him struggle creates feelings of pity towards him. It also creates a sense of fear of the consequences that will arise when he learns the truth. This fear of uncertainty and the unknown applies to the audience due to the man’s natural curiosity and need to be in control. Oedipus’ ignorance is also applicable to a modern audience. Although they may not have the same knowledge the Greeks did, they can relate to being ignorant of things that they do not want to believe. It is a common human flaw that