Oedipus - A Victom Of His Own Human Nature Essays - Oedipus The King

Oedipus - A Victom Of His Own Human Nature What you dont know wont hurt you. This widely popular piece of advice directly applies to Oedipus. Unfortunately for Oedipus, he is incapable of following such advice. The story begins with the murder of Laius already in the past. As Oedipus learns of Laiuss death, he pursues knowledge of the tragedy and tries to expose the murderer to no end. It is inevitable that Oedipus finds out that it was he who has killed Laius, his father. Oedipus is a man of swift action and great insight. At the opening of Oedipus the King, we see that these qualities make him an excellent ruler who anticipates his subjects needs. When the citizens of Thebes beg him to do something about the plague, for example, Oedipus is one step ahead of them - he has already sent Creon to the oracle at Delphi for advice. But later, we see that Oedipuss habit of acting swiftly has a dangerous side. When he tells the story of killing the band of travelers who attempted to shove him off the three-way crossroads, Oedipus shows that he has the capacity to behave rashly. It is not fate precisely; the fact that Oedipus discovers that the prophecy has come true is more of just an unavoidable outcome. Oedipus is human, and therefore has the ability to make choices as such any human can. However, the choices Oedipuss makes are far from free-willed. Oedipuss human nature that is the reason why it is inevitable for him to discover that he is the murderer that he seeks. His unwavering curiosity, anxiousness and stubbornness make it hopeless to stop him until he gets exactly what he wants. Oedipus is doomed by his very own disposition. I shall shrink from nothing in my search to find the murderer of Laius (p16). When Creon brings news of Laiuss death, Oedipus does not even let him share what he came to report. Instead, Oedipus asks question after question to find out what Creon knows. Oedipus is so bent on finding the truth that he threatens the old shepherd with death. You will die now, if you dont give me an honest answer (85). Choices are abundant for Oedipus throughout the play. Every time someone suggests he forget the matter he chooses to disregard them. The decisions he makes during his pursuit are not fated at all and have not been prophesied. If Oedipus hadnt made the decisions and choices he did, it is possible that he may have never uncovered the truth. Certain decisions and choices had to be made to arrive at the truth. However, it is his human nature that directed him to make the choices he did. Everything around him, his responsibility, his experiences have made Oedipus the person he is. He has been molded in such a way that one could predict what choices he would make in almost any situation. More than just curiosity and stubbornness make up our tragic hero. Part of what makes Oedipuss character is the responsibility he feels to help those in need. In the beginning, the Priest endows much urgency on Oedipus to save the city of Thebes. And now, Oedipus, power to whom all men turn, we beg you, all of us here, in supplication - find some relief for us. Noblest of men, we beg you, save this city (3). Oedipus is a hero, therefore he can not resist this plea for help and must take on whatever challenge confronts him. The Priest continues by proclaiming You are king; if you are to rule Thebes, you must have an inhabited city, not a desert waste (4). At this point it is impossible to ignore the plague. It goes against human nature to ignore the situation, and that would be impossible. This places even more responsibility on Oedipus that will fuel him in his quest for the truth. Jocasta tries to reason with Oedipus Dont pay attention prophecies. If god seeks or needs anything, he will easily make it clear to us himself (50). Yet despite her request, Oedipus still continued his search for answers. Oedipus is so obstinate he will not even take advice from