Oedipus Rex A Tragic Journey Of Self Discovery - 1804 Words

Both wisdom and folly, truth and falsehood are different forms of the same thing: the relationship between light and darkness. To the ancient Greeks, whether one is in darkness or light is determined by their ability to see spiritually, which they believed the physically blind were capable of. This contrast between spiritual sight and mere physical sight is a major theme in Oedipus Rex, a Greek tragedy written by the legendary Sophocles, a Greek playwright so skilled that he won at the Festival of Dionysus approximately twenty times with his masterfully crafted tragedies (Buller). Set in the city-state of Thebes in Ancient Greece, Oedipus Rex is a tragic journey of self-discovery as King Oedipus uncovers his origins and how he unwittingly†¦show more content†¦Upon learning the damning revelation that he himself is responsible for Laius’ death, Oedipus adamantly refuses to accept the prophecy and boasts about his credentials in a vain attempt to divert the accusation: There was a riddle too deep for common wits; A seer should have answered it; but answer came there none From you; bird-lore and god-craft all were silent. Until I came – I, ignorant Oedipus, came – (36-37) Oedipus’ speech about his accomplishments exposes his arrogant nature and reveals the fact that Oedipus revels in the glory of his achievements; blinding himself to his vices as a consequence. In addition, Oedipus’ sudden flash of rage at Teiresias upon the seer’s refusal to prophesy, despite the seer’s warnings of the pain and anguish the prophecy would bring demonstrates the very rash, quick-tempered nature that led Oedipus to kill his own father Laius (48). Oedipus certainly is very knowledgeable, but he lacks wisdom as he refuses to see his faults and heed the warnings of others. For this reason, even Oedipus calling himself â€Å"ignorant† can be seen as mere false humility, as his rash, arrogant nature reveals itself yet again when Oedipus accuses Creon of being the â€Å"proved plotter† against his life and a â€Å"thief† trying to steal Oedipus’ crown (40). Despite Creon handling such an outrageous accusation with care a nd producing sound arguments as to why he would not be interested in the throne, Oedipus clings to his argumentShow MoreRelatedEpic Journeys towards Improvement in The Epic of Gilgamesh and Oedipus Rex670 Words   |  3 Pagesreadings, The Epic of Gilgamesh and Oedipus Rex, both protagonists embark in an epic journey to either better themselves, or their kingdoms. Gilgamesh slays a monster with the help of Enkidu for fame, but then leaves his kingdom of Uruk to go on a quest for immortality. Oedipus outsmarts a monster and saves the city of Thebes once, but then has to save it once more by leaving Thebes. Both protagonists have similarities and differences in each of their journeys. 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