“Oedipus Tyrannos”: Responsibility, but Not Guilt
“Oedipus Tyrannos”, the classic Greek Tragedy written by Sophocles, possesses all the ingredients necessary for a good tragedy, including a tragic flaw in the main character. The story of Oedipus is captivating indeed, but it has been debated as to whether or not Oedipus actually has an error in judgment, or is he just a victim of fate who could not avoid the tragic end that the gods had in store for him. Oedipus plays a part in fulfilling the oracle by making certain choices along the way. He is not, however one looks at it, guilty of any wicked or heinous crimes that deserve such harsh punishment by the gods. Aristotle chooses to use Oedipus as an example of the perfect tragedy in his writing Poetics. It has been questioned whether or not Aristotle manipulated Oedipus to fit his mold, or does Oedipus truly meet every demand made for a good tragedy. ... ”
The question of the guilt of Oedipus has been much discussed over the years. If Oedipus is to posses a hamartia, then he must have the free will to make choices and must not be just a victim of fate. ... Oedipus is responsible for fulfilling the oracle. He is not, however, a wicked man being punished by the gods for his guilt. ... If they had not tried to avoid the prophecy and had raised the baby as their own son in a loving home the prophecy would not have been fulfilled. ... Oedipus, however, played no part in the sins of his parents.
Archer 3
Oedipus is rescued by a herdsman and given to the childless King and Queen of Corinth to raise as their own. Oedipus grows to be a man believing that he is the son of Polybus and Merope, unknowing of the oracle Apollo had given his birth parents. Oedipus does not question his paternity until he is taunted at a banquet that he is not his father’s son. ... Oedipus is determined to avoid this fate. ... In a sudden quarrel at a crossroad, Oedipus kills an older man and his men, except for one who flees.
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