Exploring the Criteria for a Hero: Fate vs. Actions in Sophocles’ Oedipus Rex

It is edifice alt to decide whether there should be a set criteria for a hero; professors use one man's SST ROR as a basis for questioning: Oedipus Rexes. Sophocles' play explores the adventures of a man and his actions, and how the two affected the way his life ended. He carried out m cost of Aristotle requirements for a highhanded man, including his pursuit of truth and a high stance in society. A key factor in his life was one that did not meet the standards, however: his I ace of good fortune.

His tale challenges readers to brood over some important questions: What is a hero, and is it actions or fate that decides? One of the most important concepts Aristotle focuses on is one's good fortune e. He claims that, 'The gifts of good fortune also are commonly thought to contribute to hi kindnesses. For those who are well born are thought worthy of honor," (Witt, 160). A person that is highhanded generally has good things happen to him. Aristotle idea is mode irately accurate; Decoys 2 people that aim for integrity usually encounter positive outcomes.

Although it is out of his control, Oedipus fails to meet Aristotle standards in this division. The entire y of his bad luck is displayed during the final Antiheroes of the story: Ah Situation!... When I was cast upon you, why did I not die?... Then should never have shown the world my execrable birth... My own blood, spilled by my own hand... O marriage, marriage! That act that engendered me, and again the e act performed by the son in the same bed... God hates me... (Witt, 128) As Oedipus physically blinds himself, he finally reveals the truth about his life. Acknowledges being cursed as a baby and led to the land of Situation out of p tit, and the horrific actions he went on to commit thereafter; he ended up fulfilling his destiny Of murdering his father and sleeping with his mother. His whole life is spent running from the c ruse that was lain upon him, but fate brought him straight to it. Oedipus' unruly behavior is due to his lack of good fortune and the unmovable hand of fate. According to Aristotle, a highhanded man's fate tends to be positive, therefore making him more worthy of honor.

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In Oedipus' case, he lost all sense of respect once his true identity was revealed, making him a step below Aristotle 's specifications in this area. Aristotle also portrays the ideal man as one who values and strives for the true the. In "The Highhanded Man" he states, "He must care for the truth more than for what en will think of him, and speak and act openly. He will not hesitate to say what he thinks," (Wi TTT, 160). The man described here is constant in his beliefs and is not afraid to make them know n, no matter what the consequences are.

This is an extremely important virtue for any person to have, because one cannot truly believe in anything if he/ she does not believe in themselves enough to speak openly. Oedipus exhibits this trait during his conversation with his wife's brother Kerr Decoys 3 You murderer! Do you think I do not know that you plotted to kill me... Am I... A fool, that you should dream you could accomplish this?... Thrones may be won or bought: you could do neither. (Witt, 116) This passage occurs after Terrifies admits his knowledge of Oedipus' past. Up on his return, the outraged king accuses Akron of attempting to steal his throne.

Oedipus, of co ruse, is wrong in his accusations, but his underlying motive is to discover the truth. His search for answers overcame his fear of losing Akron as a friend. This selfless act would be considered as hi shinnied according to Aristotle standards. High social stature is another characteristic that a man must possess in order to be considered as highhanded. In Aristotle words, "The highhanded man, then, respect of the greatness of his deserts occupies an extreme position," (Witt, 159). A man can not be regarded as highhanded unless his position in society is high, as well.

Although there are many locals, honorable men, it is nearly impossible for one to be noticed as such without b Ewing relatively famous. Oedipus is welkin, for he holds the most important rank in the cit y, as he states in the beginning of the tragedy: "... L have come myself to hear you l, Oedipus, who o bears the famous name," (Witt, 110). In this passage, the king is addressing the people o f his city regarding their wishes to speak to him. Aristotle states that a highhanded ma n must be great in all ways, including his social status.

As a fractals king, Oedipus fits this part o f Aristotle criteria perfectly. Oedipus exhibits many of the qualities Aristotle literature "The Highhanded Man" requires, despite his lack of good fortune. Looking into the origins of the mod render hero allows one to ponder about his or her own morality. Oedipus was an Larson d admirable man; he appealed to the people, sought justice, and applied punishment where it w as deserved even Decoys 4 against himself. The wrongs he committed unknowingly were seemingly Univac addable, and every eve he made in between was aimed at goodness.

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