Horror and Self-punishment in Sophocles Oedipus Rex

Horror and Self-punishment in Sophocles Oedipus Rex An ancient plate portraying Oedipus listening to the riddle of the Sphinx. Oedipus Rex is a play whose qualities of inscrutability and of pervasive irony quickly come to complicate any critical discussion. It is a play of transformations in which things change before our eyes as we watch; where meanings and implications seem to be half-glimpsed beneath the surface of the text only to vanish as we try to take them in; and where ironical resemblance and reflections abound to confuse our response. The play encourages us to make connections and to draw out implications that in the end we are forced to reassess, to question and perhaps abandon. The plays meaning through two†¦show more content†¦Oedipus: When he who plots against me in the dark Comes swiftly on, I must be swift in turn. If I stay quiet, his ends will have been gained, And mine all missed. Creon: What is it that you want? To expel me from the country? Oedipus: Not at all. Your death I purpose, not your banishment. Creon: Not without shewing, first, what a thing is jealousy! Oedipus: You talk like one who will not yield, nor heed. Creon: Because I see you mean injuriously. Oedipus: Not to myself! Creon: No more you ought to me! Oedipus: You are a traitor! Creon: What if you are no Judge? Oedipus: I must be ruler. Creon: Not if you rule badly. The concentration of attention at this point in the play on the state of Oedipus mind is striking and unusual in Greek tragedy. The moment of discovery, which meant so much to Aristotle, is the moment of supreme emotional shock and apparent revelation; but the revelation is at most a partial apprehension of the truth. The chorus recoil from Oedipus discovery in an instant reassessment of the whole meaning of human life, of human achievement and human existence. They burst out with a cry that reduces the whole sum of human life to nothing, and human achievement to a mocking, momentary apparition, a firework, an arrow that climbs and falls away and meansShow MoreRelatedOedipus The King, Or Oedipus Rex1249 Words   |  5 Pagesthe most famous probably being Sophocles’ Oedipus the King, or Oedipus Rex. For a play to be considered a tragedy, it must have a tragic hero. According to Aristotle’s definition of a tragic hero, they must be a decent moral person, of high social standing who eventually meets with a tragic downfall, of their own doing, suffering more than deserved, and realizing their error too late. In the play Oedipus the King, Oedipus is the epitome of a tragic hero. 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Acts of violence, weather brought on by anger as illustrated in Oedipus Rex or by environmental influences as demonstrated in The Stranger led to the downfall of society. Society sinceRead MoreEssay on Creon as the Tragic Hero in Sophocles Antigone1326 Words   |  6 PagesCreon as the Tragic Hero in Antigone     Ã‚   This essay will compare two of the characters in â€Å"Antigone†, Antigone and Creon, in an effort to determine the identity of the tragic hero in this tale.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   To identify the tragic hero in Sophocles’ renowned play â€Å"Antigone†, we should first consider both the elements present in Greek tragedies and what characteristics define a tragic hero. Aristotle’s definition of tragedy is: â€Å"Tragedy is a story taking the hero from happiness to misery becauseRead MoreFate Vs Chance : Oedipus Rex952 Words   |  4 Pagesnegatively impact them, raises a concern As a class, we first analyzed Sophocles â€Å"Oedipus Rex,† where the reader almost instantly comes towards a realization that Oedipus fate is heavily determined by the previous sins he had committed. A second factor to consider in how Oedipus fate is determined, is the way in which how he manipulates others with his power. As the play progresses, it becomes evident to the reader that Oedipus is a self-absorbed ruler who believes is superior to the Gods. The secondRead MoreFate And Free Will In Oedipus Rex1577 Words   |  7 Pagesplays. Oedipus Rex written by Sophocles survived through the years with such universal questions provoked by the plot. Fate and free will were driving forces woven throughout the play and considerably difficult to distinguish for both characters and the audience. Fate was considered an all powerful force by the individuals in the play. Oedipus challenged the power of fate in favor of his free will seen through his rash decisions, hubris, and choice to live in ignorance. The fate of Oedipus was createdRead MoreOedipus the King1164 Words   |  5 Pagesmen of high reputation and good fortune such as Oedipus.† This attitude, commonly found in men of high station is not specifically identified as pride in the case of Oedipus and, indeed, different readings can place Oedipus’ great flaw in a number of areas. It seems as if Sophocles intended to emphasize the more common interpretation of Oedipus’ flaw being excessive pride, but other interpre tations, such as Pier Paolo Pasolini’s 1967 film Oedipus Rex, present other possibilities as the main characterRead More Mythology in Oedipus Rex Essay examples4094 Words   |  17 PagesMythology in Oedipus Rex  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚        Ã‚  Ã‚   In â€Å"The Oedipus Legend† Bernard M. W. Knox talks of the advantages accruing to Sophocles as a user of myths in his dramas:    The myths he used gave to his plays, without any effort on his part, some of those larger dimensions of authority which the modern dramatist must create out of nothing if his play is to be more than a passing entertainment. The myths had the authority of history, for myth is in one of its aspects the only history of anRead More Mythology in Oedipus Rex Essays3980 Words   |  16 PagesMythology in Oedipus Rex  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚        Ã‚  Ã‚   E. T. Owen in â€Å"Drama in Sophocles’ Oedipus Tyrannus† comments on the mythological beginnings of Oedipus Rex:    Professor Goodell says: â€Å"Given an old myth to be dramatized, Sophocles’ primary question was, ‘Just what sort of people were they, must they have been, who naturally did and suffered what the tales say they did and suffered?† That was his method of analysis (38).    The Greek Sophoclean tragedy Oedipus Rex is based on a myth fromRead More Characterization in Oedipus the King Essay2193 Words   |  9 PagesCharacterization in Oedipus Rex  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚        Ã‚   The dialogue, action and motivation revolve about the characters in the story (Abrams 32-33). It is the purpose of this essay to demonstrate the types of characters present in Sophocles’ tragic drama, Oedipus Rex, whether static or dynamic, whether flat or round, and whether protrayed through showing or telling.    Werner Jaeger in â€Å"Sophocles’ Mastery of Character Development† pays the dramatist the very highest compliment with regard to

Essay on Alcoholism In The 21st Century - 1687 Words

Alcoholism in the 21st Century nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;The dictionary describes alcoholism as continued excessive or compulsive use of alcoholic drinks. However, this disease is much more complex. Alcohol abuse is a growing problem in the United States today, causing more and more deaths each year. It affects nearly everyone in the U.S. today, either directly or indirectly. Over half of Americans have at least one close relative that has a drinking problem. About 20 million people in the United States abuse alcohol. It is the third leading cause of preventable deaths, and about 100,000 people die each year from alcohol related incidents (Peacock 11). nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;Alcohol is not a new invention of modern societies.†¦show more content†¦Edgar Allen Poe, author of popular poems such as â€Å"The Raven† and â€Å"The Bells†, died of alcoholism at the age of 40 (Selected Poetry). There is both physical and psychological dependence with alcohol addiction. Physical dependence reveals itself in withdrawal symptoms when alcohol intake is interrupted. Symptoms from withdrawal can vary from muscles cramps, convulsions, or nausea. Sometimes, the severity of these symptoms may be so distressing that a person will keep drinking to keep them away. Psychological dependence includes effects on the central nervous system as a depressant. Results of this can include irritability, depression, or hallucinations (Peacock 39). As well as changing his or her own life, the lifestyle of an alcoholic usually affects the life of his or her friends and family. Domestic abuse is higher in cases where one spouse abuses alcohol. In 95% of these cases, the men are responsible for abusing their wife or girlfriend. Usually, the violence gets more severe as time goes on. Sometimes the violence will reach out to children, intentionally or unintentionally, and results in child abuse (Peacock 54). Child abuse in families where at least one parent is an alcoholic is an overwhelmingly increasing problem today. Everyday, one in four children will come home to a parent who has a drinking problem (Botsford). Children of alcoholics have a higher tendency to abuse alcohol or other drugs, as they get older. TheseShow MoreRelatedAlcoholism in the 21st Century1743 Words   |  7 PagesAlcoholism in the 21st Century The dictionary describes alcoholism as continued excessive or compulsive use of alcoholic drinks. However, this disease is much more complex. Alcohol abuse is a growing problem in the United States today, causing more and more deaths each year. It affects nearly everyone in the U.S. today, either directly or indirectly. Over half of Americans have at least one close relative that has a drinking problem. 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Pursasive Paper on Why College Gap Years Are a Good Thing. Free Essays

Another reason gap years are a good thing is that is enforces responsibility. When a student wants to undergo a gap year there are a lot of steps and processes that need to be made. Some might say that this might just overwhelm the student anyways, but it will not. We will write a custom essay sample on Pursasive Paper on Why College Gap Years Are a Good Thing. or any similar topic only for you Order Now It helps the students understand the responsibilities to have this goal of their pursued. Gap years, like stated before, are not just for getting out of school work for a year. By organizing your own gap year you are forced to take ownership and responsibility of your plan. You will have to decide where you are going to go, what exactly you are going to do and how you are going to pay for your trip. You may have to make your own travel plans and living arrangements. You are ultimately responsible for all the details that go into making your gap year dream become a reality. A gap year student, Ashley Jamkins, graduate from University of Arkansas 2011 says, â€Å"When I first discussed gap year with my parents I did not realize just how much planning and organizing was going to be needed to make this happen. I am thankful though, because it made me an all-around better organized person in all aspects, not just in my schooling. † (Green). College is a child’s first time away from home, where no one is going to tell them to go do the work that needs to be done, planning a gap year and pursuing one definitely helps students get their head around being self-motivated and self-organized to get what they need to get done accomplished. Every parent’s worst nightmare is seeing their son or daughter get kicked out of school because they were lacking in school work and responsibilities. Gap years only help in the following fall for the responsibility students will not only need in college, but the rest of their lives. In conclusion, Students who take a gap year tend to be self-motivated, not afraid of taking a risk, not bound by conventions and open to explore their interests and discover their passions. How to cite Pursasive Paper on Why College Gap Years Are a Good Thing., Essay examples

My Life of Serving Essay Example For Students

My Life of Serving Essay Ever since the first Christmas I can remember, Ive loved giving things. Id rather buy a gift I know my friend will love than receive one or buy something for myself. When I have a friend that is sick, Ill make them a â€Å"care package† with their favorite snacks, movies, and juice. I try to do things like this often because I love the way people’s faces light up when I communicate how much I care about them and they realize they are special. My favorite part of serving others is seeing someone understand how remarkable they are in a world where it’s hard to find pride in themselves. I have learned that a simple smile can be quite powerful. While Ive always enjoyed making people happy and putting others before myself, I really fell in love with service when I went on a mission trip to Fort Worth, Texas to serve the homeless. It was an extremely humbling experience for me; I spoke with people who had been through hardships I’d never even imagined. I found that in the week I was in Fort Worth, even if I couldnt personally make a long-term effect in most of the people I encountered, I could at least make them smile. From talking with them, I gained advice and wisdom and they were grateful for a compassionate, listening ear. The advice they gave me has helped me lead others away from dangerous situations. One of the events on that trip was called Kids Club, where hundreds of children from the poverty stricken areas of town came to our host church for a day of fun. I played with kids, helped them with their lunches, sang, acted out Bible stories, painted faces, and participated in skits. Watching their happiness over simple things like bubbles, piggyback rides, snow cones, hugs, or even a smile brought a great feeling of fulfillment over me. I knew that it was something I wanted to continue. When I came home from the trip, I took every opportunity to become active in serving people, especially on an individual basis. If I knew someone was having problems paying for a babysitter, I’d babysit for free. I spent time every possible weekend at the local no kill animal shelter. I worked hard to make sure that I balanced my life of school, work, and band so that I could include serving the people around me with the free time I had left. I hope to continue my love of serving people in the future by working in a field which will allow me to have direct communication with people and to help people in need. Using this passion for service and my aptness for the medical sciences, I plan to attend the nursing school at USM and work the rest of my life to help heal people. One day after I get my degree, I hope to join the navy and use my skills to give more of those smiles around the world.