King Oedipus Essay

* In one of the early Greek tragedies written by Sophocles in 470 BC, ‘Oedipus the King’ demonstrates the arrogance portrayed by human nature which he therefore turns away the obvious truth. This early Greek Myth shows the way in which Oedipus, the King of Thebes, is so arrogant in wanting the truth in regards to the mishaps that shroud his land and so persistent that he is ultimately leading himself into his own demise. * Oedipus’ arrogance is demonstrated very early on in the play, when his uncle ‘unknown at this time’, Creon, returns with news from the Gods. On his arrival at the palace of Thebes, Oedipus demands the news. Creon is reluctant though as he brings only bad news, â€Å"If you want my report in the presence of these people†¦I’m ready now or we might go inside†. Oedipus in reply say’s, â€Å"Speak out, speak to us all. I grieve for these my people, far more than I fear for my own life†. This ignorance to accept advice from Creon, led the problem to become public to the people of Thebes, which later results in Oedipus’ own demise as he had the potential to deal with it privately. * When Oedipus calls upon the Oracle Tiresias to prove this theory of banishing the murderer of Laius from his land, he is confident in himself that he can discover and devastate the curse which clenches his city state in its grasp. He is however mistaken in his views as when he calls upon the oracle, a new truth is revealed. The refusal of the oracle to relay the truthful message of the god’s to Oedipus infuriates him. â€Å"I will never reveal my dreadful secrets†, from the Oracle’s refusal comes Oedipus’ bewilderment as to the refusal of his command. â€Å"You’re bent on betraying us, destroying Thebes?† Due to Oedipus’ constant taunts towards the Oracle, the truth is finally revealed and shock and bewilderment fill him up and untold stories and cobwebs within Oedipus’ life are revealed, much to his shock and disbelief. * As Oedipus rose to the thrown through his bravest of actions his demise was the result of his only weak links, his arrogance and self confidence. As the truth unfolds in regards to the murder of King Laius, so does the unfolding of the hidden secrets in Oedipus’ life creating shock and horror among his nation’s people as to the darker side of their hero. He is so determined to provide his people with another act of heroism that he is blinded to the obvious truth that he could of learned through himself when hearing the words of the Oracle, telling him to drop the matter. It is through his own thoughtless actions that undermine the power in which King Oedipus once held firmly in his grasp, confirming his own responsibility in his destiny.