Means To Tragic Ends (oedipus :: essays research papers

Does man really have free will, or does free will lie within a system of limitations that gradually compose a web of circumstantial fate that ultimately cannot be torn apart? The events in both Oedipus The King and Antigone controversially suggests that man ultimately chooses his own deeds and endures fate and the responsibilities for them. These events brought by fate are unmistakably aggravated by certain characteristics within the characters. Oedipus, from Oedipus The King, Antigone, and Creon, both from Antigone possess such flawed characteristics that lead to their tragic ends.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Oedipus possesses a multitude of characteristics, some of them common to other characters, but pride is exceptionally prevalent. This characteristic, which margins with utter arrogance, appears to be one of the dominant flaws that causes Oedipus’ tragic downfall. This is plainly established in the beginning of the play in which he states “I Oedipus whom all men call the great.'; (p11.8). This is strengthened by the Priest’s replies of “...Oedipus, Greatest in all men’s eyes,'; (p12.40) and “Noblest of men'; (p12.46).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  However, pride is not the only characteristic which contributes to Oedipus’ tragic end. There exists his temper, which is initially presented in the argument between Teiresias and himself. After Teiresias speaks the truth as factual, Oedipus replies “Do you imagine you can always talk like this, and live to laugh at it hereafter?'; (p26.367) and then soon after calls Teiresias a “fool'; (p29.433). His temper is also exposed when he threatens to banish or kill Creon after Creon’s attempted reasoning.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Another contributing factor is his suspicion for others, this is evident where he questions Teiresias “Was this your own design or Creon’s?'; (p.27.377). He is falsely rationalizing that Teiresias is secretly plotting, in coalition with Creon, to overthrow him.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Moreover, Oedipus has an unrelenting pursuit for the truth, which is demonstrated when he finally believes that he is the murderer and that Polybus was not his father. Nonetheless, he continues with his search with an extensive questioning of both his wife Jocasta and the messenger.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Furthermore, Oedipus exhibits self-loathing and a desperation towards the end of the play. After the facts have been voiced, he desperately attempts to rationalize the evidence and states, “You said that he spoke of highway robbers who killed Laius. Now if he uses the same number, it was not I who killed him. One man cannot be the same as many. But if he speaks of a man travelling alone, then clearly the burden of the guilt inclines towards me.