Oedipus Rex

The statement "Life is a constant struggle between good and evil is valid. All people have admirable traits. These same people may also have a despicable side to them. This is proven in the tragedy Oedipus the King by Sophocles.

Oedipus is characterized as an admirable ruler. He is a man of action. Before he is even asked by his people, he sent Creon to the Oracle at Delphi. He also sent for Tiresias. Oedipus also cares a great deal about Thebes. Instead of sending someone at random, like a slave, to address the Thebans, he does it himself. He even hurts when Thebes is hurting; "mourns for the city". He is also open and honest. He has Creon state what the Oracle at Delphi said in front of all of Thebes instead of going into the palace. He also doesn't try to hide anything from Jocasta; he even tells her how he killed a man fitting Laius' description at the place where the 3 crossroads met. Oedipus also chooses to nobly accept his fate. He finally understands that he is the one who brought pain on himself and Thebes. When he realizes this, he asks Creon for 3 things. First, he asks for a proper burial for Jocasta. Second, he asks him to take care of his daughters. Finally he asks for forgiveness.

Oedipus is also flawed in many ways. For example, he jumps to conclusions. He assumes that Creon killed Laius and wants to dethrone him. He even accuses Jocasta of not wanting him to find his real parents because they might be slaves. He is also stubborn and violent. Oedipus has the shepard's arm twisted behind his back when he is reluctant to tell Oedipus the truth about his parents. On one occasion Oedipus even wants Creon to be put to death, and doesn't even want to hear what he has to say firs. He also doesn't want to listen to the Chorus, who tell him to listen to Creon. Oedipus also commits hubris many times. One time is when Oedipus agrees with Jocasta about the prophecies being fake. This is dramatic irony because the audience knows that the prophecies are real, and did come true. Another time he commits hubris is when he insults Tiresias and doesn't let him leave when he asks. In conclusion Oedipus has many flaws.

This essay proved it's true that there is a constant struggle between good and evil. It also proved that Oedipus is a good leader, who has flaws.