Oedipus Rex
Tragic Flaw
There are numerous theories about what Oedipus’ “tragic flaw” actually is. These range from determination (to find the truth) to anger (which leads him to lose control of his actions) to the classic hubris (or pride). However, it is the contention of this paper that his real flaw in the context of this play is his failure to bow to the will of the gods – it is in many rooted in he flaws that were mentioned above, but more than anything if he had not tried to change his fate (as deigned by said gods) then everything.
However, this also produces the biggest fundamental question of the play: if he did not try to avoid his horrible fate, as described to him by the Oracle of Delphi, then what was he supposed to do? It is the great irony that in running from this that he actually drove himself closer and closer to it, eventually coming face to face with what he had most feared. There is certainly a case to be made that by trying to run from marrying his mother and killing his father that he made the whole thing harder on himself, so to speak.
This is what makes the message so strong however: here is a man faced with perhaps the worst fate imaginable, decided upon by the gods themselves, and by deciding to go against their wishes they managed to make it even worse on him. Thus, the message at the end is clear: sins such as pride and anger are not acceptable and may lead to a person’s downfall, however trifling with the will of the gods will not only lead to a person’s downfall, but they will also make sure that it happens in the worst possible way imaginable.
Role of the Chorus
The role of the Chorus in Oedipus Rex is essentially to reflect the viewpoint of the public as well as to help explain certain elements of the plot. They also tend to react to events as they are going on, serving to be somewhat instructive to the audience as to how they should be reacting to events. They begin the play being highly supportive towards Oedipus, as he is seen as a good and benevolent king. However, as the play progresses and his actions begin to become more unreasonable they become far more critical of what he is doing. As such, by representing “the people” in the context of the play, they also serve to represent the audience in many ways.
The chorus also tends to actually get involved in the events, instructing Oedipus on how to act at different times such as when they convince to calm down over his treatment of Creon, with the king having previously wanted to execute or at the very least banish him. However, when it comes to other key events they have a more subtle effect on the plot often offering somewhat lesser instruction to the various characters. For example, they give Oedipus information about what they know about Lauis’ killer (helping his investigation, but not providing the deciding facts) and instruct Oedipus to go and ask his wife about the shepherd who did not decide to kill the young child.
Interactions between Oedipus and Creon and Tiresias
It would appear that the main reason that Oedipus treats Creon and Tiresias with such hostility is due to the fact that they are hitting a nerve. However, they do it in two entirely different ways. Creon is calm and reserved by nature, being very considerate in his responses even in the face of Oedipus’ rage. Tiresias, meanwhile, raises Oedipus’ ire by being stubborn and – in his eyes – unreasonable.
Oedipus’ principle problem with Tiresias is the fact that he can see into the future but will not give up information about it directly. He knows who murdered Laius but refuses to tell Oedipus directly. When questioned as to why, he notes that even if he reveals who did it the information will not serve to actually help the situation – everything that is going to happen is, well, going to happen. This attitude enrages Oedipus and it is the first time we are really shown his temper in the play. This would appear to be a metaphor for his raging against the gods – Tiresias serves as their representative in a way. He cannot and will not be moved by any threats, the end result remains the same.
What is ironic by the end, however (aside from the fact that Tiresias was right all along), is the turnaround in the way Oedipus is treated by Creon on the way down. Instead of the rage and threats that Oedipus aimed in Creon’s direction, Creon meets the king’s rather unceremonious downfall with forgiveness and compassion. He promises to care for his children and instead of having the now deposed leader executed (he did, after all, murder Creon’s brother-in-law and the former king, indirectly leading to the death of his sister) Creon shows him mercy by granting him exile – at Oedipus’ own request – instead.
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