Oedipus+-+Character


 * BEFORE OEDIPUS REX**

Oedipus is the child of Laius and Jocasta, rulers of Thebes. On his birth, a prophet states that Oedipus will kill Laius, and the two parents plot to kill their son. However, Oedipus is found by a shepherd, who hands him to Polybus and Merope, rulers of Corinth.

Oedipus grows up and hears a rumor stating that Polybus and Merope are not his true parents. He decides to travel to the Oracle at Delphi to ask about his parents, he instead gets another prophecy – that he will kill his father and marry his mother. Believing Polybus and Merope to be his parents, he leaves Corinth.

On the road to Thebes, he meets his biological father, Laius, at a cross-roads. They argue over who has right of way, which leads to a fight. Oedipus kills Laius and his guards, and continues on his journey. Oedipus then deduced the Sphinx's riddle, saving Thebes. As a reward, he is given the throne and the hand of Jocasta in marriage.


 * OEDIPUS REX**

The play begins many years after Oedipus gets the throne and Thebes is suffering from plague and pestilence. His brother-in-law, Creon, is sent to the Oracle, and he reports back that Thebes is suffering due to the presence of Laius' murderer. Oedipus declares that the murderer will be banished (thus, in effect, punishing himself). After Tiresias – the blind seer – reluctantly tells Oedipus the answer, the king refuses to believe it, instead believing that Creon has paid Tiresias to tell a lie.

Oedipus calls for the only survivor of Laius' murder, who had fled Thebes in order to escape from telling Oedipus the truth. The servant begins to recount Laius' murder. Oedipus then receives a message from Corinth, saying that his father, Polybus has died, and that he was an adopted child. Oedipus only realizes the truth after Jocasta hangs herself, and blinds himself using her broaches. He then declares to Creon his wish to leave Thebes in exile with his daughters, but Creon instead forces him to wander the world alone.


 * AFTER OEDIPUS REX (OEDIPUS AT COLONUS)**

Oedipus wanders the world, and finally settles on sacred ground near Athens. After being made a citizen of Athens by Theseus, Oedipus is found by Creon, who has become King of Thebes. Creon begs Oedipus to return home, but Oedipus refuses. Creon then reveals that he has kidnapped Oedipus daughters. Theseus then raises an army to free the girls from Creon's control. After Oedipus' daughters are returned to him, Oedipus reveals that it is time for him to die. He dies on the outskirts of Athens, and is absolved by the Gods.


 * TRAGIC FLAW?**

It is possible to read //Oedipus Rex,// and specifically, Oedipus' behavior, as portraying a tragic flaw by the tragic hero. Much of Oedipus' speech could be interpreted as a very proud figure, who appears to set himself above the citizens of Thebes. In the very beginning, he declares that he is “ //known far and wide by name...// ”, and he continually refers to himself as the King and ruler of Thebes. His argument with Tiresias could also be interpreted as an argument over control – Tiresias has refused to follow a direct order from Oedipus. This idea continues into his argument with Creon – when Creon asks //“What if you are no judge?// ”, Oedipus responds //“I must be ruler// ”.

However, it is possible to read this book differently, that Oedipus is just aware of his situation, and of his strengths. Therefore, it is possible to view Oedipus' fall // not //  as the consequence of a fatal flaw, but due to fate. It was fated that Oedipus would kill his father and marry his mother, and thus he will. It was inescapable.

[|Oedipus is not responsible for what happens to him.ppt]