Oedipus Tragic Hero

Aristotle says a tragic hero defines the kind of man the protagonist must be. The tragic hero is virtuous but they make mistakes. The tragic hero is fallible. They also usually come from a status of high power, making their downfall even more tragic. A tragic hero is a flawed individual who commits massive wrongdoings that lead to their misfortunes. There is then a tragic realization of the events that lead to the downfall of the individual. The character of Oedipus from Oedipus Rex exemplifies Aristotle’s definition of a tragic hero. Oedipus comes from a noble background. He is the son of King Polybus and Queen Merope. Oedipus is a highly respected King of Thebes. The respect arises from Oedipus being a noble individual and the fact that Oedipus had solved the riddle of the Sphinx, saving his kingdom. Oedipus’ high estate has given him a high place of dignity

Little does Oedipus know, he actually killed his father. Oedipus then finds out the truth when he talks to the Shepard about the murder of Laius. Oedipus had come the tragic realization about the events that have gone on when he found out that Oedipus is actually the killer of King Laius and the he is married to his mother. From there, Iocaste goes to her bedroom and hangs herself. Oedipus is notified of this and he rushes to Iocaste. Oedipus then gauges his eyes out with the broach of Iocaste. Oedipus requests that Creon banishes him from the kingdom of Thebes, the conclusion to Oedipus’ downfall. In conclusion, the definition of a tragic hero is exemplified by Oedipus from Oedipus Rex. Oedipus falls from a high power and loses everything. Oedipus, by the end of the play is essentially dead, but not by definition. With the endless suffering Oedipus faces he receives great pity from the audience, another common trait of a tragic hero. Oedipus is a truly tragic individual who lost it all over lack of