VCCS Litonline Introduction to Literature English 112 (English Composition II)

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Objective for this Page: To analyze Oedipus as a tragic hero.

Oedipus Rex poses a problem as puzzling as the riddle of the Sphinx that plays a major role in the play. The problem is this:

According to Aristotle's criteria, the hero's downfall is partially her/his own fault, the result of one's own free choice, not the result of pure accident or villainy, or some overriding malignant fate.

Does Oedipus meet this criterion? Is his downfall his own fault? Or is "some overriding malignant fate" responsible?

If fate is responsible, then Oedipus' fate is NOT tragic. It's pitiable, pathetic but not tragic.

At this point, you should take a look at a Discussion Forum on this topic. Click the image below to see what other students have had to say about this problem and perhaps add your own response.

You might also want to look at a site that argues that there is no tragic flaw in this play.  (The site includes links to other interesting resources. ) To get to it, click here.

Assessment:  Address two contrasting arguments as to Oedipus’s characterization as a tragic hero.  With which one do you agree?

The URL for this page is http://vccslitonline.cc.va.us/tragedy/oedipus2.htm