Wednesday 15 October 2014

How does hubris cause Oedipus' downfall in Oedipus Rex?

Excessive pride is 's tragic flaw, which blinds him to the truth and leads to his
demise. Initially, Oedipus is guilty offor attempting to defy the gods and overcome his fate by
fleeing Corinth. As a young man, Oedipus was told the prophecy that he would one day kill his
father, which is why he fled Corinth to avoid murdering Polybus. Unfortunately, Oedipus could
not overrule the gods or alter his fate and unknowingly slaughters his biological father, King
Laius, at the place where the three roads meet while traveling towards Thebes. Oedipus once
again demonstrates hubris during his interaction with , who initially does not want to divulge
the harsh truth to Oedipus. Oedipus goads Teiresias into telling him who murdered Laius and
immediately accuses him of conspiring within order to usurp the throne. Oedipus pridefully
denies Teiresias's prophecy and refuses to believe him.

In addition to
thinking that he could overcome his fate and refusing to accept...

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