Oedipus Rexpsychology Essay Example

impulsiveness, Oedipus tries to reveal the identity of the immoral culprit who defied societal norms. While consulting with Teiresias for answers, Oedipus is told that he himself is the killer, but he refuses to accept it. It is important to note that Oedipus has already been informed about a prophecy regarding his own fate. Unfortunately, his ego prevents him from listening to advice or accepting facts from others. Even though the truth is within reach, Oedipus foolishly denies its existence.

Hubris plays a pivotal role in Oedipus' character as he uncovers three areas that demonstrate his arrogance and defiance towards the gods and moral laws. Firstly, Oedipus commits murder and engages in incest, an act that mocks the gods. Despite the belief in higher powers, Oedipus looks down on the gods after solving the riddle of the sphinx and claiming sole credit. Secondly, he insults the gods by proclaiming that he does not need them in his life, committing blasphemy. Lastly, his anger leads him to disrespect Teiresias, calling him a wicked old man. Oedipus' hubris subjects him to great Nemesis, a punishment for going against the gods. Failing to heed the warnings, his life becomes a nightmarish existence, regretting the unmentionable acts of murdering his father and marrying his mother, acts considered abominable and criminal in a traditional society.A person engaging in murder and incest is deemed a criminal. Oedipus resided in a state of self-pity, ultimately gouging out his own eyes, unable to bear his own existence.

Oedipus Rex exhibits anger and impulsive decision-making towards his brother-in-law, Creon. This anger, along with his intellectual pride and hubris, serves as another flaw in Oedipus' character. Despite

Creon's unwavering loyalty to Oedipus, he is accused of murder by him. In response, Creon defends himself using reasoning and demonstrates his aversion to chaos, proving himself a true friend to Oedipus. Nevertheless, Oedipus releases his anger and condemns Creon as evil.

Furthermore, Oedipus asserts that he will always possess power as a good or bad king; acting like a dictator who refuses to listen to his people. Adding to this authoritarian behavior, he threatens anyone who dares question him. As a result of these actions, his wife tragically commits suicide by hanging herself in a room discovered by Oedipus with bleeding eyes.

While initially blaming the people of Apollo for these acts, Oedipus eventually acknowledges that he alone is responsible for them. His intellectual pride, hubris, anger, and impulsive decision-making ultimately lead him to face the consequences of his deeds. These actions are so wicked that they defy all laws of humanity; thus he takes full responsibility for them.

In my opinion:

The one who laughs first has failed to understand the joke.

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