Enlightenment—Question 1 10/22/12 The Perfect Leader What characterizes a good leader? Should a leader behave theatrically, full of demonstrative pride and personal ambition, or behave humbly in a selfless manner? A comparison of Moses in the Bible, and Oedipus in Oedipus the King, demonstrates that both Sophocles and the biblical author, share some similar perceptions of an ideal leader- he who is wise, seeks justice, and is willing to do anything to save his people. However, the two authors differ with regard to
Thesis: Oedipus eventually realizes his responsibility in his downfall; tragically, too late. The Chorus in Sophocles’ play, “Oedipus the King,” sums up the hubris of Oedipus and his fruitless attempt to challenge Fate, “I cannot say that you have considered well / for you would be better dead than living blind” (1357-1358). Oedipus replies that in blinding himself he has shut out the things he does not want to see; it is the least he can do to atone for his sins, no matter how unwittingly he transgressed
Swollen-foot, or Oedipus, is a classic example of not knowing your true identity. Oedipus the King was a playwright, written by Sophocles in Ancient Greece in 429 B.C. Oedipus’ situation in the play reminded me of the temple at Delphi, which had “Know thyself” carved over the entrance. “Know thyself” means to figure out who you really are before you do something potentially harmful. Although it seems that Oedipus knows who he is, he is mistaken about his true identity. If Oedipus really knew his
doings have remained important lessons that many civilization still base their own laws and ethics. Among those lessons are the Greek values. These values are practiced by the ancient Greeks and our generation today. In this paper we will look closely how the play Oedipus the King, written by Sophocles, reflects some of the values discussed in class. Among these values are the following: Arête (translated as “virtue” or “being the best you can be”), Hamartia (people refer to as the “tragic flaw” of
Oedipus The King by Sophocles is a tragedy that was first preformed about 429 BC. Oedipus The King tells the story of Oedipus, a man who is the king og Thebes. Oedipus has a prophecy he is fulfilling unittingly that he would kill his father and marry his mother. The play is an exmaple of a classic tragedy, notably containing an emphasis on Oedipus's own faults contribute to his downfall. Oediopus, at the beginning of the
Do you think you can chose what happens to you? Oedipus the King was written by Sophocles around 496-406 BC. The play Oedipus the King demonstrated how according to Greek mythology one can never escape fate. The equivalent to this Greek mythology in modern terms mean what is for you will be for you. Apollo the God of music decreed that any son born to King Laius and Queen Jocasta will kill his father and wed his mother (Oedipus the King, 474). Oedipus was born onto the couple (726). Due to the prophecy
Research Investigation How do masks help characterize the characters’ and their emotions in the Greek Tragedy Oedipus the King? Unlike modern styles of theatre where an actor’s physical attributes describes the age, gender, and race describe a character, characters of ancient Greek tragedies use masks to convey the age, emotions, social status, and gender. Since females were not allowed to perform, masks were important to show the audience who the males and females were. In most Greek tragedies
If Oedipus hadn't been so prideful would he have been able to stay in Thebes? If Romeo had not been so lonely would he have died? If Juliet had not been so impulsive would she still be alive? If these characters from Oedipus the King written by Sophocles, and The Tragedy of Romeo and Juliet written by Shakespeare, had not let their tragic flaw cloud their judgment, they would have been able to live long, happy lives. In Oedipus the King, Oedipus’ extreme sense of pride causes him to do many things
resulted the downfall of the main character Oedipus from the play Oedipus the King by Sophocles displayed the importance of the concepts of fate, which defines the will of the gods, and man’s free will. It is believed back in Ancient Greece that ancient Greek gods ruled the world and had powerful role in man's existence. Man was free to make his own choices and decisions but was held responsible by it. Fate and free will play an important role in Oedipus' downfall from the throne. But although he
all living creatures’ fate is determined and controlled by God. In “Oedipus the King” by Sophocles, fate looks to be the connection that drives the story. However, this story of tragedy makes one point the finger and wonder who is truly to blame for Oedipus’s tragic downfall. There were many people involved. The gods, King Laius, Queen Jocasta, and King Oedipus himself all share a part in the prophecy coming true for King Oedipus and his family. From the readings, ancient Greeks took their faith in