Oedipus Rex Summer Assignment 2

Oedipus’s great achievement put him in the position to become the King of Thebes. Here is a quote from the play describing his actions is: “Whose coming to our Cadmean town released the toll we paid, of a hard Sorceress, and that, without instruction or advice of our imparting; but of Heaven it came thou art named, and known, our life's establisher." The Sorceress mentioned in the quote is the Sphinx that held the city of Thebes under siege. Oedipus is the one who soleve the sphinx’s riddle and saved Thebes. After solving the riddle of the Sphinx Oedipus was crowned king.
Shortly after solving the riddle of the Sphinx Oedipus becomes complacent and forgets the needs of his people. When Oedipus is greeted by the Priest of Zeus he then realizes how poor the condition is of his people. Although Thebes is in turmoil, Oedipus still sees himself as a great king. Oedipus speaks to the Thebians before the royal palace and says: "I myself have come hither, Oedipus, known far and wide by name." This demonstrates how Oedipus has become self-centered and complacent with new luxurious life.
After returning from his journey to Pytho, Creon informs Oedipus of how he must solve the crisis and save Thebes. Oedipus is told that Laius, the past king, was killed in vein and the only way to save Thebes is to banish the murderer from the city. As Oedipus’s pride takes over he promises he will avenge Laius by finding the murderer and banishing him, "So shall you see me, as of right, with you, venging this country and the Gods together. Why, 'tis not for my neighbors' sake, but for mine, I shall dispel this plague spot; for the man, whoever it may be, who murdered him." Oedipus now has a new sense of pride because he will save Thebes from the horrible villain that made the city fall to ruins. What Oedipus is unaware of is that his prideful search for the truth of Laius’s death will drive him to endless suffering.
As Oedipus reveals more about he is past and discovers who killed King Laius he is faced with much suffering which is the fourth stage of a tragic hero. After questioning countless people Oedipus uncovers that is was he himself that murdered his father and fulfilled the first half of the prophecy. This sends Oedipus down a deep spiral of suffering and depression. Then Oedipus would fulfill the second half of the prophecy when Oedipus slept with his own mother, Jocasta. As Jocasta figures out what evil has became on her, she commits suicide by hanging herself. If this was not enough Oedipus was then banished from Thebes and his two daughters were taken from him. Oedipus felt the true meaning of suffering at that point in his life.
The final stage of a tragic hero encounters the perception of his or her failures. Although Oedipus tried his hardest to prevent his prophecy from coming true, he failed. By leaving his parents and constantly worrying about the prophecy, Oedipus was following the path of the prophecy the whole time. Eventually Oedipus pleaded that the gods take him away from his suffering and he gouged his eyes out. During the end of the play Oedipus finally understands that he could do nothing to stop the evil prophecy form coming true. Being helpless to the will of the gods, Oedipus lived the rest of his life in the perception of sorrow.