The theme of arrogance is explored heavily in not only Oedipus Rex, but the entirety of Sophocles' Theban collection. As we often learn from the chorus, things do not tend to bode well for those who consider themselves above the will of the gods, as many Theban kings often do. Oedipus is no exception, and there have been several instances of his life that would have led to a far more desirable outcome had he shown some humility and left well enough alone. Oedipus certainly thinks highly of himself, having outwitted the sphinx and been made king of Thebes. So arrogant is he that when Tiresias is honest with him about the murder of Laius, he accuses the seer of being in league with Creon. Jocasta certainly does nothing to quell his arrogance, renouncing the wisdom of the seer and feeding the king's hubris. Oedipus eventually learned that not only was the seer was correct in his prophecy, but it was his arrogance that caused him to fulfill it in the first place.
No comments:
Post a Comment