Oedipus Rex and Aristotles Concept of Tragedy

Oedipus Rex and Aristotle's
Concept of Tragedy
Oedipus Rex, the classic Greek tragedy by Sophocles, is a quintessential example of Aristotle's concept of tragedy.
Through the complex narrative and the tragic fate of the protagonist, Oedipus, the play explores the fundamental
elements of tragedy as outlined by the renowned philosopher. This introduction will provide an overview of how
Oedipus Rex aligns with Aristotle's principles and delve into the various aspects that contribute to its enduring status as
a masterpiece of classical literature.
by Qura- tul- ain Sajjad

Plot Summary of Oedipus Rex
The play follows the story of Oedipus, the King of Thebes, who is determined to uncover the truth behind the mysterious
death of the previous king, his father. Driven by his own curiosity and a sense of civic duty, Oedipus embarks on a journey
to investigate the matter, unaware that he is the very person he is seeking. As the plot unfolds, Oedipus discovers the
shocking truth – that he has unwittingly fulfilled a prophecy by killing his father and marrying his mother, Jocasta. This
revelation sets in motion a series of tragic events that lead to Oedipus' downfall and ultimate self-discovery.
Oedipus as the Tragic Hero
Oedipus is the quintessential tragic hero as defined by Aristotle. He possesses several key traits that make him a
compelling and relatable protagonist. Firstly, Oedipus is a man of high status and noble birth, a king who commands the
respect and admiration of his people. However, he is not without flaws, as he is driven by a sense of pride and a desire to
uncover the truth, even when it leads to his own downfall. Aristotle's concept of the tragic hero also emphasizes the
character's tragic flaw, which in Oedipus' case is his hubris, or excessive pride and self-confidence. This tragic flaw,
combined with the role of fate and prophecy, ultimately leads to Oedipus' tragic demise, fulfilling Aristotle's definition of
a tragic hero.
Tragic Flaws of Oedipus
1 Hubris 2 Stubbornness
Oedipus' excessive pride and overconfidence in his Oedipus' unwavering determination to uncover the
own abilities lead him to disregard the warnings of truth, even when it becomes clear that it may lead
the oracle and the advice of others, setting the to his own demise, is another contributing factor to
stage for his tragic downfall. his tragic fate.
3 Lack of Self-Awareness 4 Irony of Fate

Oedipus' inability to recognize his own flaws and The irony that Oedipus, in his efforts to avoid the
the true nature of his identity until it is too late is a prophecy, ends up fulfilling it, further highlights
critical element in the unfolding of the tragedy. the role of fate and the inescapable nature of his
tragic destiny.
The Role of Fate and Prophecy
Prophecy and Destiny Hubris and Defiance Irony and Reversal
The prophecy that foretells Oedipus' Oedipus' hubris and his refusal to The irony that Oedipus, in his
fate plays a central role in the accept the prophecy drive him to efforts to avoid the prophecy, ends
tragedy. Oedipus' attempts to avoid investigate the truth, which in turn up fulfilling it is a prime example of
the prophecy, which predicts that he sets in motion the events that lead the dramatic device of peripeteia, or
will kill his father and marry his to his downfall. This conflict a sudden reversal of fortune, which
mother, ultimately lead him to fulfill between the individual and the is central to Aristotle's concept of
it, showcasing the inescapable forces of fate is a key theme in tragedy.
nature of fate. Aristotelian tragedy.
Dramatic Irony and Peripeteia
Oedipus Rex is a masterful display of dramatic irony, where the audience is
aware of the truth that the protagonist is unaware of. This dramatic device
creates a sense of tension and foreboding as Oedipus unknowingly pursues
the truth about his own identity and the fate of his family. The culmination
of this dramatic irony is the moment of peripeteia, when Oedipus' fortunes
suddenly and dramatically reverse, leading to his self-discovery and
ultimate downfall. This sudden reversal of Oedipus' circumstances, from a
position of power and prestige to one of utter tragedy, is a quintessential
element of Aristotelian tragedy.
Catharsis and Emotional Response
Emotional Engagement
Oedipus Rex elicits a powerful emotional response
Cathartic Realization
from the audience through the protagonist's complex The moment of Oedipus' self-discovery and the
internal struggles and the unfolding of the tragic subsequent realization of the full extent of his tragic
events. Aristotle's concept of catharsis, the purging of fate triggers a cathartic emotional release in the
emotions, is central to the play's impact on the audience, fulfilling Aristotle's vision of tragedy as a
audience. means of purging and purifying the soul.
1 2 3
Pity and Fear

The audience is invited to feel pity for Oedipus'
unfortunate circumstances and fear for his impending
downfall, as the tragic hero is caught in the grip of
forces beyond his control.
Oedipus Rex as an
Aristotelian Tragedy
Oedipus Rex stands as a quintessential example of Aristotle's concept of
tragedy. The play's complex plot, the tragic hero's flaws and struggles, the
role of fate and prophecy, the use of dramatic irony and peripeteia, and the
powerful emotional impact on the audience all align with the philosopher's
principles. Through the tragic downfall of Oedipus, the play explores
universal themes of fate, free will, and the human condition, cementing its
status as a masterpiece of classical literature and a enduring touchstone of
Western drama.

Oedipus Rex and Aristotles Concept of Tragedy

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Oedipus Rex and Aristotles Concept of Tragedy

Uploaded by

Document Information

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Oedipus Rex and Aristotles Concept of Tragedy

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Oedipus Rex and Aristotle's

by Qura- tul- ain Sajjad

3 Lack of Self-Awareness 4 Irony of Fate

Pity and Fear

You might also like