Morality in Oedipus Rex Essay - 1785 Words

In both the current era and the time of the ancient Greeks Sophocles’ play Oedipus Tyrannus is seen as the quintessential model of Greek Tragedy. This is due to the intricate questions of morality that are masterfully woven into the literature and the fact that â€Å"perhaps no classical Greek play that has stimulated as much critical discussion† (Harris and Platzner Classical Mythology: Images and Insights, p.648). One of the dominant arguments the tragedy generates is whether Oedipus is responsible for the abhorrent crimes of patricide and incest. The answer to which is yes. To be human is to have choice and it is evident throughout the play that Oedipus’s reckless decisions are to blame for the violations against his parents. Due to†¦show more content†¦Oedipus is incapable of clear thought and unfortunately it was of the utmost importance to criticize the oracle and act accordingly. Oedipus’s character suggests that he â€Å"believes all ques tions have answers and that humans can ascertain those answers by applying their wits and their logic†(Harris and Platzner Classical Mythology: Images and Insights, p.656). This being the case, Oedipus should have been able to avoid making a rash, senseless choice in his reaction to the oracle. Because of his complete faith in Apollo’s oracle, he immediately leaves Corinth in an attempt to avoid the despicable atrocity of killing his father and engaging in incest with his mother. Regrettably, it is this very action that charts his course towards a violent path of destruction. One can see that as a result of Oedipus’s recklessness he has allowed the prophecy to become â€Å"self-fulfilling† and if had not heeded the oracle’s forecast it would have never become a harsh reality (Harris and Platzner Classical Mythology: Images and Insights, p.649). Near the end of Sopholcles’s distinguished tragedy, Oedipus finally recognizes the truth and he in sists his actions are the fault of Apollo. He shrieks blame upon the god for the monstrous events and he violently cries, â€Å"Apollo it was, Apollo, friends who brought to pass these evil, evil woes of mine† (Oedipus Tyrannus, 1274-1278). Oedipus is consumed byShow MoreRelatedOedipus in Sophocles Oedipus Rex and Young Colonel Sartoris Snopes in William Faulkners Barn Burning: A Comparative Analysis of Characters1034 Words   |  4 Pagesï » ¿When attempting to compare the characters and the lots of Oedipus in Oedipus Rex and Young Colonel Sartoris Snopes in William Faulkners Barn Burning, there are a number of immediate and salient points of similarity for one to consider. One of the principle points of similarities between these two is related to their personalities both male characters are prone to fits of action which they can only fully understand (if at all) in hindsight. 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