Oedipus 3
The Greek tragedy of Oedipus illustrates dramatic irony through Oedipus' noble birth which is unknown to him and his fall from the throne due to his fate and excessive pride.
In regard to his noble birth, Oedipus does not know he is born the son of King Liaus, the king of Thebes. As fate would have it, Oedipus eventually inherits the throne as King of Thebes even though he is brought up by another noble leader, Polybus, King of Corinth. Oedipus refers often to his upbringing throughout the play. Because of his nobility, the Thebans, as well as the Corinthians, admire him and treat him as their hero. On page 33 Oedipus proclaims, "he [will] fight for him (Liaus) now, as I would for my ...
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of his fate is over since his "father" has died. On the contrary, the reader knows his troubles are just beginning when the messenger explains to Oedipus how Polybus is not his real father. Oedipus' predestined fate and growing pride, which stem from his noble birth, unfortunately lead to his demise as a ruler and his banishment from Thebes. From the time he was born, Oedipus was destined not only to kill his father but also to marry his mother. However, Oedipus does not know who his actual parents are and thus, runs away and toward his fate at the same time. As Oedipus explains to Jocasta, about his past and the fate given to him by the Oracle, he tells her, "I must marry my mother and kill my father. At this I fled away." When Oedipus flees from home he thinks he is avoiding his fate, but the reader knows he is actually approaching closer to his fate. When Oedipus enters the realm of Thebes and becomes king, his pride blossoms almost to the point of arrogance. ...
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Oedipus 3. (2006, October 23). Retrieved January 14, 2025, from http://www.essayworld.com/essays/Oedipus-3/54408
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"Oedipus 3." Essayworld.com. October 23, 2006. Accessed January 14, 2025. http://www.essayworld.com/essays/Oedipus-3/54408.
"Oedipus 3." Essayworld.com. October 23, 2006. Accessed January 14, 2025. http://www.essayworld.com/essays/Oedipus-3/54408.
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