The Tragic Heroes Of Sophocles Oedipus Rex And Antigone...

The concept of whether destiny controlled our fate or if we have a say in what happens to us was often questioned in Ancient Greece where fate and self-will were the main themes of the plays. Many plays displayed the tragic hero as a victim of their own fate while others blamed the heroes for their suffering. The plays Oedipus Rex and Antigone, written by Sophocles, display the themes defined by Aristotle. Are we the authors of our fate or is our fate written and destined to happen? In both plays, Oedipus and Antigone face their downfall because of self-will. They bring on their own doom because of their actions. The author explores many themes such as the high-standing and heroic traits of the tragic heroes as well as to the flaws and pride of Antigone and Oedipus. Finally, the author explores the theme of recognition and catastrophe. These topics are directly linked to the poetics of Aristotle. The two plays display many literary devices, the most significant ones being characteriz ation and conflict. Oedipus and Antigone were of high-standing and had many heroic traits which influenced their actions. Aristotle, in his poetics, describes a tragic hero as someone that is of high standing and who demonstrates some heroic traits. The tragic hero needs to be someone that holds great power so that their downfall will be way more dramatic and sad to the audience. Oedipus was the King of Thebes, because he solved the riddle of the Sphynx. He also married Kreon’s sister thusShow MoreRelatedAncient Greek Tragedies: Passion vs. Prudence 959 Words   |  4 PagesBoth Oedipus and Antigone experience this as a result of their rash behavior. Even Creon ends up miserable in Antigone due to the change in his behavior. 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In the play, considered to be one of the best Greek dramas ever written, Sophocles uses the now broken down and old Oedipus as a statement of hope for man. As Oedipus was royalty and honor before his exile from his kingdom of Thebes he is brought down to a poor, blind old man who wonders, â€Å"Who will receive the wandering Oedipus today?† (Sophocles 283)