Oedipus as a Tragic Hero: Exploring Aristotle’s Definition of Tragedy and How Oedipus Fits the Criteria in Oedipus the King
Oedipus as a Tragic Hero: Exploring Aristotle’s Definition of Tragedy and How Oedipus Fits the Criteria in Oedipus the King
According to Aristotle’s Poetics, a tragic hero is a character of noble stature who has a flaw or error in judgment (hamartia) that leads to their downfall. Oedipus the King is often cited as a perfect example of Aristotle’s definition of a tragic hero. Oedipus, the King of Thebes, is a man of high status who, despite his admirable qualities, makes a critical mistake that leads to his tragic end.
The flaw that leads to Oedipus’s downfall is his inability to accept the truth, combined with his pride (hubris). When confronted with the prophecy that he will kill his father and marry his mother, he denies it and takes matters into his own hands, believing he can outsmart the gods. This determination to avoid fate ultimately leads him to fulfill it. His tragic recognition (anagnorisis) occurs when Oedipus discovers the truth about his parentage, and the consequences of his actions are made painfully clear. His fall from grace—from a king loved by his people to a blind, exiled figure—fits Aristotle’s criteria for tragedy.
Through Oedipus’s journey, Oedipus the King demonstrates the inevitability of fate and the consequences of human flaws. It teaches that even those of high standing cannot escape their destiny if they fail to recognize their limitations.
3. The Role of Blindness and Sight in Oedipus the King: Analyzing the Symbolic Significance of Physical and Metaphorical Blindness in the Play
Blindness and sight are powerful symbols in Oedipus the King, representing both physical and metaphorical vision. At the start of the play, Oedipus is physically capable of seeing but is blind to the truth of his circumstances. His ignorance about his parentage and his actions reflects his metaphorical blindness. He is unable to recognize his role in the tragic prophecy and the harm he has caused. As the play progresses, Oedipus becomes increasingly aware of the truth, but it comes at the cost of his sight—he blinds himself in despair after realizing the full extent of his actions.
Sophocles uses the imagery of sight and blindness to explore the theme of knowledge and ignorance. Oedipus’s physical blindness is symbolic of his inability to see the truth, even when it is right in front of him. Conversely, characters like Tiresias, the blind prophet, possess inner sight—an ability to see the truth despite their lack of physical vision. This contrast between physical sight and inner sight emphasizes the idea that true knowledge is not just about what one can see with their eyes, but about understanding the deeper truths of life and existence.
The symbolism of blindness in Oedipus the King serves as a reflection on human limitations and the painful enlightenment that comes with discovering the truth.
