Despite the fact that Oedipus’s fate has been predicated, one may argue that his downfall is actually a result of his own actions. One may also argue that the prophecy of Oedipus’s downfall was a self-fulfilling one, since Oedipus was indeed aware of the prophecy and changed his actions because of it. It can be argued that had Oedipus not been aware of the prophecy, he would not have followed it through.
Oedipus seems, at the beginning, to be an upstanding member of Greek society. He is well respected and well placed socially. This sets him up for his tragic fall. In order for Oedipus to be considering a tragic hero, he must start out as a person of renown and importance so that his tragic fall is pronounced enough that the audience can actually care about it. His tragic flaw becomes apparent quickly in this play. As in most Greek tragedies, or really just Greek stories in general, the heroes tragic flaw is overconfidence: hubris. Hubris brings the downfall of almost all Greek mythological characters.
Think, for example of Icarus, who was so confident that in his waxen wings that he flew too close to the sun and drown in the sea when his wings melted. Or perhaps think of Niobe who boasted that she was better than the goddess Leto because she had born seven times more children than her. She was punished for her hubris by the death of her offspring.
Oedipus too, is brought down by his own hubris. He is so confident in his leadership that he does too little to help the plague-stricken populous of his city, Thebes. He also rejects the negative predictions from Tiresias as treason and accepts the assurances from Jocaste that prophecies do not come true.
By accusing a prophet of the gods and embracing another who rejects those deities, Oedipus is essentially rejecting the gods. Rejection of the gods is the most blasphemous and damning form of hubris, but it is also the most common and hardest to avoid, especially for mortals who live their lives well without interference or blessings from the unseen deities.
It is easy to forget or ignore the gods, but in Greek myth, the gods are very active, very watchful, and very sensitive to being forgotten or ignored. By rejecting the god’s, Oedipus seals his own fate and fulfills the prophecy; therefore, he initiates his downfall.
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12 comments:
Dr. Fram,
This is not only a genuinely unique interpretation, but it is also one that I find myself agreeing with. Your inclusion of the concept of hubris illustrates your profound understanding of the story as well as an impressive insight into the realm of ancient Greek literature. Good work.
Take Care,
Dutchess Ayten
Dr. Fram this is a wonderfully written blog! I love the succint, direct style of your writing. I have to agree with you about Oedipus and his self-fufilling prophecy. It is interesting to think of what would have happened in his life if he had never heard of the oracle. Perhaps, he would have met his fate in a different way. Again, great blog!
Great Blog!! Similar to what Kendra said, your writing is very clear and enjoyable to read. I also really liked how you put tied the Oedipus story into Greek Literature as a whole. Your ideas about hubris were convincing and easily understood because of the links to other Greek stories. Overall, this was a great entry that was interesting, clear, and very insightful.
- Jessica
Doctor, I greatly enjoyed you blog this week. Your ideas on self fulfilling fate mirror mine exactly. I do believe that if Laios or Oedipus had not consulted the oracle they would not have met their fates in the first place. Your ideas as always are refreshing and I look forward to reading your blog in the coming weeks.
I really liked your interpretation of Oedipus. I thought it was interesting how you see Oedipus as overly confident and therefore he is rejecting the gods. You made a strong arugment. I also liked how you used other Greek stories to illustrate your point and how your blog was direct. Great Job!
Eric, you have produced a blog full of great insight and incredible intelligence. Your munificent usage of Greek literature in your blog truly enhanced its overall effect, it was rather fortuitous that our reading intersected with an area of your expertise. Your writing is clear and coherent as it always is and was fun to read. I also liked your points of the self-fulfilling prophecy and the idea of hubris. Good work.
Dear Dr. Mr. Rev. Sen. Sir Fram,
Your blogacious essay certainly puts forth some interesting propositions! I especially enjoyed the integration of the many other classes we have enjoyed together, such as the mythical lore we learned (nay, devoured, as we listened, eyes wide and minds expectant, to Magistra Anderson) in Latin Levels One, Two, Three, and Four Slash AP. Your addition of the concept of "hubris" also forced a veritable army of deeper thoughts to march through my mind, similar to the noble centurions of dear Rome's awe-inspiring past. I must also assure my dear companions who have also noted the brilliance of your commentary that I completely and utterly concur with all of their rationalizations. However, dear Sir, it must be noted that several lapses in grammar (due, I am sure, to the errors of your secretary while in the process of transcribing your genius-filled words dictated faster than she could type) detracted from the general understanding of the passage. For example, in your inspired paragraphical analysis of Icarus, you state that "he flew too close to the sun and drown in the sea." What! Unspeakable! Conflating the past participle with the subjunctive?! Sin of syntax! Crime of conjugation! I cannot, my most esteemed and trusted Doctor, look past this obvious example of failure to proofread. With time, however, I am sure that I will forget this egregious and grievous error and think back on your blog with only fondness.
Yours, Sincerely, Etc.,
Miss Sophia Catherine Carter-Kahn
I completely agree with what you are saying. I definately found the whole hubris thing interesting and a defining characteristic of the play. I liked your point about how Oedipus's higher status in society leads to his tragic fall. Overall, your blog was very enjoyable to read and your words flowed very well. Good Job!
Rev-Dr. E. Tiberius Fram XIV,
You blog ideas were very magnanimous.
I liked your discussion concerning what makes this story extra tragic in the sense of literary tragedy.
Indeed good luck in BINGO!
Most Effervescently,
Rob
Sin or syntax? Crime of conjugation? Wow! I'm mostly impressed by the way you link this story to other knowledge you possess of Greek myth to put together a reading of the story that increases personal responsibility and decreases the role of fate as something external to the characters.
Hey Eric, Sorry for the late comment. I liked your blog a lot. It is very well-written, articulate, and precise. I liked your ideas about hubris and I agree with them as well. I liked how you used Icarus and Niobe as examples to further your point of hubris. Great job!
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