Who Is To Blame For Oedipus Downfall
Oedipus is the tragically cursed main character in the Greek play, Oedipus Rex, by Sophocles. Oedipus is doomed to kill his father and marry his mother. Oedipus has many characteristics that affect the decisions that eventually bring him to his doom. Oedipus’ downfall was caused by his own actions and he is the only one that can be blamed for his own misfortunes. Some of the traits Oedipus possesses that cause his downfall are swift action, truthfulness, and impatience. These qualities destroy Oedipus throughout his life.
Oedipus’ swift action certainly brings him to his tragic doom. Oedipus’ haste is demonstrated when he is returning from his visit from the Oracle. On his way back, Oedipus runs into some men on the road. Neither of the men …show more content…
This lack of patience is exemplified when he tries to solve the mystery of Laius’ murder as quickly as possible. The city of Thebes is plagued because Laius’ death was never avenged. Due to Oedipus’ desperation to restore order to Thebes, he proclaims that anyone who has information regarding Laius’ death will be rewarded and the killer will be exiled. At this time in the play, Oedipus is clueless about who his true parents are. Oedipus lack patience is demonstrated again when Teiresias goes to see Oedipus. Oedipus begs him to reveal who Laius’ murderer is, but Teiresias replies that he knows the truth, but he would not reveal it to Oedipus. Oedipus is again impatient and maligns and is rude to Teiresias. Provoked by Oedipus’ insults, Teiresias hints, in riddles, that Oedipus is the killer. Oedipus then accuses Teiresias of being the killer. Teiresias, in rage, tells Oedipus that he is the murderer of Laius. “I say that the killer you are seeking is yourself.” (line 362, pg 36) If Oedipus had not been so impatient, he would not have provoked Teiresias to let Oedipus know he killed Laius. Oedipus’ lack of patience helps bring Oedipus to his doom if he had been more patient and not killed Laius on the way back from his trip, Oedipus would have averted his fate. Also, if Oedipus had not been so impatient and not provoked Teiresias, Teiresias might not have revealed the truth to
Oedipus’ swift action certainly brings him to his tragic doom. Oedipus’ haste is demonstrated when he is returning from his visit from the Oracle. On his way back, Oedipus runs into some men on the road. Neither of the men …show more content…
This lack of patience is exemplified when he tries to solve the mystery of Laius’ murder as quickly as possible. The city of Thebes is plagued because Laius’ death was never avenged. Due to Oedipus’ desperation to restore order to Thebes, he proclaims that anyone who has information regarding Laius’ death will be rewarded and the killer will be exiled. At this time in the play, Oedipus is clueless about who his true parents are. Oedipus lack patience is demonstrated again when Teiresias goes to see Oedipus. Oedipus begs him to reveal who Laius’ murderer is, but Teiresias replies that he knows the truth, but he would not reveal it to Oedipus. Oedipus is again impatient and maligns and is rude to Teiresias. Provoked by Oedipus’ insults, Teiresias hints, in riddles, that Oedipus is the killer. Oedipus then accuses Teiresias of being the killer. Teiresias, in rage, tells Oedipus that he is the murderer of Laius. “I say that the killer you are seeking is yourself.” (line 362, pg 36) If Oedipus had not been so impatient, he would not have provoked Teiresias to let Oedipus know he killed Laius. Oedipus’ lack of patience helps bring Oedipus to his doom if he had been more patient and not killed Laius on the way back from his trip, Oedipus would have averted his fate. Also, if Oedipus had not been so impatient and not provoked Teiresias, Teiresias might not have revealed the truth to