Opedipus, a tragic hero Essay example - 1708 Words

Outline Thesis Statement: Oedipus is the embodiment of Aristotle’s characterization of a tragic hero through his ability to preserve his virtue and wisdom, despite his flaws and predicament. Introduction I. Sophocles’ Oedipus: A Tragic Hero A. Definition of a tragic hero B. Oedipus Character as it relates II. Tragedy A. Language of Tragedy B. Tragedy as it affects the audience III. Plot A. Aristotle’s idea of a tragic plot B. Significance of the plot IV. Virtue and Morality A. Identifying with Oedipus’ character B. Oedipus obtains virtue and wisdom through poor judgment Conclusion Oedipus, a Tragic Hero Sophocles’ Oedipus is one of the most well-known tragic heroes in the history of drama. His strange†¦show more content†¦Ã¢â‚¬Å"Aristotle believes that the language must be sweet in tragedy. The level of language used by different characters should differ to depict the social stands of the characters† (Adade-Yeboah, Ahenkora, Amankwa, 2012 pg. 1). Additionally, he focuses on meaningful language reflected throughout the entire play, and stresses that tragedy must be taken seriously. Aristotle presents that there is a complex relationship between tragedy and emotions. For him, it is expressed through pity and fear. Konstan argues: The idea that the object of pity does not deserve his fate is present in the definition Aristotle offers in the Rhetoric; in the Poetics, however, Aristotle exploits the concept of similarity in order to explain the terror that tragedy induces. If the characters on stage are enough like ourselves-the context indicates that the sense is morally similar-then we will experience their fear as our own. (Konstan, 1999, pg. 1) Unquestionably, the audience reacts to the sequence of events in the play; feeling pity for Oedipus about his fate and the predicament he faces. Aristotle praises a brilliant arrangement that makes the play more attractive and creates higher expectations: The putting together of the separate actions is very crucial. The beauty of the plot therefore lies in the arrangements which must have magnitude and not be a matter of chance. Indeed, the subtle manipulation of theShow MoreRelatedIncest, Murder, And Suicide1424 Words   |  6 PagesIncest, murder, and suicide; many readers regard Oedipus the King as a story of a tragic hero unable to alter his course of fate. Fate is defined as â€Å"a power that is believed to control what happens in the future† (Merriam-Webster). It is believed in Greek Mythology â€Å"that many aspects of a person’s life were determined by the three mythical women known as Fates. These were three sister goddesses that appeared in Greek and Roman mythology and were believed to have â€Å"spun out† a child’s destiny at birth