In poetry, Aristotle upholds certain traits that fulfill the definition of a tragedy. In support of the standards, he analyzes different plays including the “Sophocles’ Oedipus Rex.” “Sophocles’ Oedipus Rex” is an intriguing play that incorporates all the tragic standards Aristotle discusses. Some of the tragic standards include reversal (peripeteia), recognition (anagnorisis), excessive pride (hubris) and tragic flaw (hamartia). This paper illustrates how Oedipus meets or exceeds the requirements of a classical tragedy. This entails detailed descriptions of the tragic concepts alongside examples from the play for each of the concepts. Also, a definition of tragic protagonist is included followed by a discussion on how Oedipus fits the description.
In light of Aristotle’s definition of a perfect tragedy, the essential component of a plot is a reversal (peripeteia). A reversal is the turning point of a particular drama, at which the plot then steadily flows towards its denouncement. Aristotle believes the play is quite outstanding as the anagnorisis id directly affected by the peripeteia. The fortune of the protagonist shifts from good to bad hence making the plot to be a successful tragedy. In “Sophocles’ Oedipus Rex” reversal is evident in the introduction of the play, when the messenger from Corinth brings news about Oedipus’ parents He is thrilled and eager to know the contents of the news only to find out that the news is the cause of his catastrophic life which will eventually lead to his downfall (Sophocles 61).
Furthermore, the development of the plot into a tragedy involves the tragic flaw (hamartia). This is a sensitive concept that demands critical attention to understand what the Greeks intended by its meaning and its relationship to fate. The tragic flaw is an attribute in a character that contributes to their ultimate downfall (Halliwell 55). Tragic flaw is often blamed on lack of judgment or self-knowledge; however, the most significant cause is linked to pride (hubris). In “Sophocles’ Oedipus Rex” tragic flaw is depicted in the play through the character of Oedipus the King is his pride. It is difficult to analyze his actions and establish instances of pride as all his actions are duly justified. The personality of Oedipus has made him a hero to the people of Thebes but will also lead to his downfall. This is seen in the dialogue between Teiresias and Oedipus. (Sophocles 51).
Consequently, Recognition (anagnorisis) is another concept towards the fulfillment of a tragedy. Recognition goes hand in hand with a reversal in establishing a deadly plot. Recognition refers to a startling discovery that inflicts change on the protagonist resulting from ignorance to knowledge (Halliwell 110). It involves a revelation that changes the general outlook of the characters in the play. For instance in “Sophocles’ Oedipus Rex,” anagnorisis takes place when the revelation about the actual birth of Oedipus is made by the messenger (Sophocles 61). This makes Oedipus recognize Jocasta, his wife as his mother and the man he slew in the war as his father and himself as the cause of all the misfortune that befell Thebes.
Additionally, in the play, the Tragic Protagonist is also depicted through Oedipus. A tragic protagonist refers to a character that is flawed in their judgment which leads to their ultimate destruction. The virtue and nobility of Oedipus is the first feature that qualifies him as a tragic protagonist. He fulfills different parameters that define a tragic protagonist. These include his multifaceted character which makes him tap emotional reactions from the play. His tragic flaw causes him to be feared although with a lot of respect form his subjects. The horrific punishment he is subjected to makes the audience to pity him. Sophocles’ Oedipus Rex is, therefore, an excellent illustration of a tragic protagonist (Knox 77). The play also meets the requirements of a classical tragedy.
Works cited
Halliwell, Stephen, Ed. The Poetics of Aristotle: translation and commentary. UNC Press Books, (1987): 10-185.
Knox, Bernard. Oedipus at Thebes: Sophocles' tragic hero and his time. Yale University Press, 1998.
Sophocles, Dudley Fitts, and Robert Fitzgerald. Oedipus Rex: An English Version. Harcourt, Brace, (1949): 45-66.
