A Blind Man: The Tragic Effects of Pride in Sophocles Oedipus Rex

The tragic hero archetype has been utilized for centuries to represent a character of heroic
stature who exhibits a major flaw, ultimately resulting in the characters downfall. In the times of
the ancient Greeks, people preached the blasphemy and futility of attempting to evade the will of
the gods. However, Sophocles introduces Oedipus, a tragic Greek hero who attempts to
circumvent destiny and avoid his gruesome prophecy. The Greek playwright uses literary devices
to characterize Oedipus as not only an exceptional leader, but also a prideful king with a strong
following. Thus, the audience sympathizes with Oedipus as Sophocles incorporates dramatic
irony to expose the characters doomed fate. Despite his heroic appearance to the city of Thebes,
Oedipus tragic flaw of hubris blinds him from the truth and causes him to make mistakes with
severe consequences, catalyzing his fall from wealth and power. In Sophocles Oedipus Rex, the
playwright creates motifs that support the Thebans love for and faith in their kings ability to
save them from the plague; however, Sophocles uses dramatic irony to foreshadow the tragic
heros downfall, reinforcing the ancient Greeks need to remember the gods will takes
precedence over mortal desires.
Ultimately, in Sophocles Oedipus Rex, the playwright integrates motifs to establish
Oedipus as a tragic hero dominated by his own pride; Sophocles creates dramatic irony to
foreshadow the title characters collapse from power, emphasizing the overarching theme that the
will of the gods always trumps mortal endeavors. Sophocles applies the ship of state motif to set
up exposition and portray Oedipus as a beloved leader tasked with steering Thebes to safety in
times of hardship and death. Oedipus exhibits his hubris by believing that he can save the city
from natural destruction that only the gods can resolve. The tragic hero unknowingly damns
himself when he condemns the murderer of Laius, creating dramatic irony and stimulating

sympathy towards Oedipus as he catalyzes his own ruin. Oedipus refuses to believe Teiresias
even when he reveals the truth; thus, Sophocles incorporates the sight motif and reinforces the
idea that pride and anger blind people from the reality of their fates. The Greek playwright
creates a relatable tragic hero that displays the qualities and flaws of humanity, engendering a
paradoxical respect and frustration towards Oedipus. Moreover, Sophocles establishes the
enduring concept that everyone shows vulnerability to their flaws and no one, regardless of
social class or stature, can defy fate and prophecy. While the theme has evolved over time as
society and religion has modernized, the core message of faith in ones destiny has transcended
centuries.