The trope of the tragic hero has become very commonplace in the literary world. For example, Shakespeare’s Macbeth features one of the most classic tragic heroes, who because of his ambition sought the destruction of his cousin, his best friend, and anyone else who was in his way. It is self-evident that Macbeth caused his own damnation because of his choices, however, it can be argued that some tragic heroes do not fall from their pedestal from a direct correlation to their tragic flaws. Oedipus, from Sophocles’ tragedy Oedipus the King, is an example of such a protagonist. Oedipus, unlike Macbeth, did not intentionally seek out to fulfill the prophecy of incest and paternal murder given to him, in fact, he took many precautions to make sure it were not to become true. Oedipus is undeniably plagued with many irredeemable …show more content…
In the same conversation with Tiresias, Oedipus audaciously mocks his blindness. Tiresias responds, “You mock my blindness? Let me tell you this. You with your precious eyes, you’re blind to the corruption of your life, to the house you live in, those you live with- who are your parents? Do you know? All unknowing you are the scourge of your own flesh and blood…” (Sophocles 183). Tiresias outright exposes Oedipus lack of self-awareness, but the proud king refuses to acknowledge his ignorance and instead he discredits him, a man whose powers he once respected. This is not the first time Oedipus has heard that his parents are not who he thinks they are, but nonetheless his stupidity and lack of tact, combined with some rage, disallows him think rationally and asses the situation accordingly. Oedipus once again is introduced with more information that proves he has not escaped the prophecy, but once again his ignorance prevents him from seeing the