Jason and Oedipus as Debatable Heroes
... One of Sophocles’ plays, Oedipus the King, focuses on the tragic-hero protagonist Oedipus. This play revolves around a prophecy given to Oedipus and how it eventually comes true. Oedipus the King follows suit with the other tragedies of the time as it chronicles the tragic downfall of the king of Thebes, Oedipus, due to his tragic flaw, excessive pride or hubris. One of Euripides plays, Medea, focuses on Medea’s punishment for her unfaithful husband Jason. Jason betrays his wife and two sons when he decides to leave them to marry a princess out of greed. Oedipus can be labeled as a hero in Oedipus the King while Jason does not qualify as a hero in Medea. Oedipus can be classified as a hero for numerous reasons. ... ” (Sophocles, Oedipus the King 161). Oedipus’ solving the riddle of the Sphinx is what makes him king of Thebes. This heroic act supports Oedipus’ being a hero. The people of Thebes have extreme respect for Oedipus because he is a good king and leader. ... A priest says, “Oh Oedipus, king of the land, our greatest power!