Oedipus The King And Crito Analysis

1001 Words5 Pages
Righteous human reasoning is essential in the ancient Greek world. However, how this reasoning is achieved can differ slightly depending on the influences and the text they are portrayed in. Although providing similar framework and subject matter, Sophocles - Oedipus the King and Plato’s Crito explore the influence of the enchanted and disenchanted Greek world differently. This allows for a deep exploration of both Internal and External factors that influence and vary the presentation and role of reasoning and rationality between the two texts. The disenchanted world has a large influence on human reasoning. As portrayed in Oedipus the King, the ancient Greek social political structure and laws are adhered to intensely and societal opinions are highly influential. In this sense social influence and tradition act as both a barrier and an enticement to certain human actions entrenched within the…show more content…
While Oedipus presents that by acting in the will of the gods you are acting rightfully, Crito somewhat argues the opposing. By performing actions that are self-rationalized by what is right and wrong, you are acting in god’s will “Very well Crito; if such is the will of God, I am willing” . In this way the dialogue explores self-legitimization through the fight between right and wrong and the will to always act against evil while remaining honourable, rational and just “For I am and always have been one of those natures who must be guided by reason, whatever the reason may be which upon reflection appears to me to be the best” . In this sense the general rhetoric presented argues for self-rationalization and argument to guide action and decision rather than god-like rationalization “ought a man to do what he admits to be right... He ought to do what he thinks right” yet still appeals to the god’s as the higher power “Then let me follow the intimations of the will of god”
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  • Oedipus The King And Crito Analysis

    1049 Words  | 5 Pages

    light heartedly by the Ancient Greeks, as it was believed that conforming to these core fundamentals would also impact upon ones own individuality. The texts ‘Oedipus the King’ by Sophocles and the Socratic dialogue ‘Crito’ by Plato, will be used to further explored these central themes through studying key scenes of both texts. Socrates and Oedipus both take their responsibility and obligation to their community, kin and friends seriously,

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