At one time in our lives there is a moment when we may think that of ourselves as better than someone or something. There may also be a point in our lives when making a decision may lead to an error in judgement. In the play Oedipus Rex, written by Sophocles, both of these characteristics can be seen in the main character.
These characteristics are known as the tragic flaw. these flaws are like hubris meaning excess pride, leading to overconfidence, and hamartia meaning errors and weakness in judgement. Both of these characteristics are the main reason of destruction and fall in mankind in the hero’s life in this play. The tragic hero is unable to escape his misfortune that is destined to happen.
There are many more other tragic flaws that also contribute to the fall of the hero. This is actually seen as his fate. Even though the hero chooses his own actions, the resulting consequences that come about are the ones that cannot be changed. As is seen in Sophocle’s play no one is able to change his own fate.
Oedipus rex is seen as a tragedy. A tragedy is a play that consists of a conflict between human beings and some superior, overwhelming force. This kind of play usually ends in a tragic and sorrowful manner and its outcome is inevitable.In a tragedy the hero is actually a tragic one.
The tragic hero in this play by sophocles is named Oedipus. He is neither good nor bad. Due to the flaws in his actions and behavior he will fall from the good graces of everyone surrounding him.
