Oedipus the Tragic Hero Essay Example

to create numerous problems for himself, ultimately leading to the revelation of his true identity in front of all. It was revealed that he was the prophesied curse mentioned to Laius and Jocasta. When the messenger was questioned, Jocasta discovered that he was her son when he coerced the answers out of him and the messenger stated, "No sir, another shepherd passed you on to me." (lines 1140-141) The messenger also admitted, "He called himself the servant of... if I remember rightly-Laius." (lines 1143-1144.)

Despite Jocasta's pleas for Oedipus to halt his investigation out of fear and acceptance of the truth, he persisted in his quest. He desired knowledge regarding his status as either noble or a servant, as well as whether there was a curse involved. Ultimately, it became evident that he had unwittingly fulfilled the prophecy by marrying his mother and slaying his father. Oedipus felt remorseful for failing to recognize his fate and considered himself blind. His ensuing nightmarish encounter occurred in the chamber where Jocasta had taken her own life.

The final act witnessed by him was cutting her down, followed by his gouging of her brooches into his eyes - ensuring that he could never see the pain he had caused again. The messenger reminds him that he will no longer witness the pain he caused for too long, being blinded to those he longed to know and see. In conclusion, playing the role of the tragic hero is intense, as demonstrated in Oedipus the King. Initially hated for his selfishness, Oedipus eventually becomes a source of sympathy as more mysteries unfold, revealing him as the cursed one who murdered

his father and wed his mother, fulfilling the prophecies.