tragoed Elements of Tragedy in Oedipus the King (Oedipus Rex) :: Oedipus the King Oedipus Rex

Elements of Tragedy in Oedipus Rex It is not the tragic content matter of the text that is of primary interest - but rather the sort in which the plot is developed. The story line progresses as if the reader is unpeeling an onion. The rehearsal of King Oedipus is well known. An enraged Oedipus unknowingly slays his father (Laiusq, King of Thebes) and supplants him as monarch and as husband to his own mother (Queen Jocasta). As from each one successive layer of the onion is unpeeled, Oedipus is brought a step closer to realizing the avowedly nature of his actions. Foretold in prophecy and initiated by his anger, the downfall of Oedipus comes to fruition as all facts gradually come to light. This enlightening starts with the revelations of a blind prophet named Tiresias. Though sightless, Tiresias can see the truth. He argues with Oedipus ...you have your sight, and do not see... . Yea, you are ignorant... .(Sophocles, 15). Understandably, Oedipus is enraged at the prophets accus ations and fatally insists on investigating the finish off of King Laius. In Aristotles Poetics, it is stated that a tragedy must be complete - having a beginning, middle and end. Of equal importance ...the sequence of events, tally to the law of probability or necessity, will admit of a alteration from bad fortune to good or from good fortune to bad.(Aristotle, 15). The whim for the downfall of Oedipus, Known far and wide by name (Sophocles, 1), is his anger. anger he slew King Laius and in anger he hastily pursued his own ruination. From the aforementioned recriminations of Tiresias to the conflict with his brother-in-law Creon (his ill temper again displayed - Tempers such as yours most grievous to their own selves to bear,... .(Sophocles, 25) through the unveil exchanges with his wife/mother Jocasta and her slave (whose pity saved the infant Oedipus), damming sagacity grows in a logical sequence, all the while fueled by the Oedipal rage. Realizing the heinous nature of h is actions, Oedipus blinds himself in a fit of anger and sorrow - now, as Tiresias, he can see. In an age where popular delight is apparently guided by the maxim more is better (see the frame count in any popular action thriller) and special do dominate,