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Oedipus The King

A hero is defined as a person noted for feats of courage or nobility of purpose. Was Oedipus a hero? Opinions may vary but Oedipus has all the traits of a hero; he is loyal, courageous, and honorable. Throughout the play, Oedipus shows why he could only be remembered as a hero.
Oedipus was a great man, and the devotion to his people proves this. For instance, when the city is overwhelmed by plague, Oedipus answers the call of his people and searches for the reason. “I know that you are deathly sick; and yet, Sick as you are, not one is as sick as I” (p 1257). Only to find the only way to save his city is by finding the killer of king Laios, an answer that Oedipus comes to find out he does not want to know. Teiresias, a blind man that is very wise tells Oedipus that he is the killer. “I say that you are the murderer whom you seek”(p 1264). As King, Oedipus could have paid no mind to such accusations. Instead, he upholds his honor by searching deeper for the truth.
As a result of Oedipus’ search for the truth, he is faced with another problem. What if he really is the killer? Oedipus was told by Creon that the murderer of Laios would be “exiled” from the city! This meant that if it was him, this judgement would be placed upon him as well. Oedipus shows great courage in wanting to know the truth, no matter what it is. Many other leaders, past and present have been known to cover up such truths. We still do not know the true killer of John F. Kennedy because of the American government.
Another trait that Oedipus carries is honor. When he finds out that he has indeed carried out the prophecy, he holds himself accountable. Oedipus might not really be the one to blame for this because he did all this without knowing. Killing his father on the roadside and then marrying his mother was all because of fate. Oedipus takes his medicine like a man and shuns himself into solitary confinement. By taking his own eyes, Oedipus can...

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