... consist of the tragic plot ("muthos"): the reversal of the situation, the recognition ("agnorisis"), and the scene of suffering ("pathos"). The story of Oedipus begins with Laius, King of Thebes, who learns from the oracle that his son will kill him and marry his wife Jocasta. When a son ... the fact that Laius is his father. Continuing on his way he then passes a riddling sphinx and guesses the answer, lifting a curse on Thebes, allowing Oedipus to become King, win the hand of Jocasta, Queen of Thebes and have 4 children: Eteocles, Polynice, Antigone, and Ismene. The reader discovers t...

• Word Count: 696
• Approx Pages: 3
• Grade Level: Undergraduate

... contrary. The story is one of a man who is struggling with destiny and every choice he makes effects the outcome of the story dramatically. Oedipus is undeniably strong willed and self-assured and it is these steadfast qualities that cause him to make the very decisions which will eventually leave him ... distraught, blind, and exiled from his kingdom. Oedipus is a man of tremendous pride and arrogance and these qualities cause him to ignore all advice, be it good or bad, from those around ... Delphi. To many, the same revelation coming from two separate and highly regarded oracles wo...

• Word Count: 859
• Approx Pages: 3
• Grade Level: Undergraduate

... back. He represents new rational decision making independent of the gods in part or in whole. Another medium in which reason is evident is through the play, Oedipus in which Oedipus really is a very rational and reasonable person, as he should be being king of Thebes. He does ask the gods for help but he also chooses to ... take on the responsibility to help rid Thebes of the Plague. Oedipus fears he may suffer the same fate as Laios if he does not banish his murderer, a highly rational decision especially considering that it was not specifically what ... It is kind of the "center piec...

• Word Count: 1116
• Approx Pages: 4
• Grade Level: Undergraduate