Essay Sample on Oedipus Rex: Tragic Hero

Aristotle’s six criteria of a tragic hero have provided the basis of greek theatre, each step of the formula having an equally crucial part in the play. Oedipus has followed all six of these criteria throughout the tragedy. We, as an audience, develop a connection to Oedipus the more we get to know him, thus making us feel certain emotions toward the hero. Oedipus has followed the criteria of a tragic hero because, in the story, Oedipus shows us his greatness, vulnerability, and everything in between. 

Oedipus’ vulnerability becomes clear to the audience throughout this tale. The story demonstrates his greatness, but we see a weakness in Oedipus; he severely wants to seek the truth. The ironic quote “I mean to fight for him as I would fight for my own father” exemplifies his desire to find the truth. When Teiresias has told Oedipus the truth, Oedipus shows us another hamartia, quickness to anger, when he instantly accuses Teiresias and Creon of trying to take his throne. We can also infer from this that Oedipus refuses to own up to his mistakes, meaning Oedipus possesses an obsession with being the hero. 

Oedipus causes his downfall because his hubris takes control of him. When he tries very desperately to find the truth, he succeeds, but this causes his fall. Quotes such as “Nonsense: I must pursue this trail to the end” and “Let all come out, However vile!” suggest that Oedipus would not stop until he found the truth because of his hubris. His quickness to anger stems from his hubris. For example, in the murder of Laius, when he gets angry in the scene, his quickness to anger comes from Laius impairing his self-esteem. Oedipus fulfills the prophecy by trying to prevent it, proving that Oedipus cannot overcome his nemesis and the hero’s downfall becomes his fault.

Oedipus recognizes his falling, goes through an anagnorisis, and accepts his fate in the exodus. When Oedipus blinds himself, he gives in to his nemesis when he says, “What should I do with eyes where all is ugliness.” Oedipus redeems himself to us because he goes through an epiphany: he does not want to look upon the misery he has caused anymore, learning his lesson. We see the greatness of Oedipus once again because he learns his lesson amid all the misfortune. Oedipus has learned his lesson, reminded the audience of his greatness, and redeemed himself in the eyes of the audience. 

We feel for Oedipus in his moments of greatness, vulnerability, and in his downfall. We feel emotions of pity and fear when the audience sees the loss of potential greatness. When the audience feels these emotions, we furthermore understand Aristotle’s six criteria of a tragic hero. The way that the audience feels toward the hero takes about three of the six criteria. The audience must feel pity, fear, and exhilaration for a greek tragedy to function.