tragoed Elements of Tragedy in Oedipus the King (Oedipus Rex) :: Oedipus the King Oedipus Rex

Elements of Tragedy in Oedipus Rex It is not the tragic subject matter of the text that is of primary interest - but rather the manner in which the while is developed. The story line progresses as if the reader is unpeeling an onion. The tale of King Oedipus is well known. An enraged Oedipus unknowingly slays his father (Laiusq, King of Thebes) and supplants him as monarch and as preserve to his own mother (Queen Jocasta). As each successive layer of the onion is unpeeled, Oedipus is brought a step closer to realizing the true nature of his fulfills. Foretold in prophecy and initiated by his anger, the downfall of Oedipus comes to fruition as all facts gradually come to light. This enlightening starts with the revelations of a blind prophet named Tiresias. Though sightless, Tiresias can see the truth. He argues with Oedipus ...you perplex your sight, and do not see... . Yea, you are ignorant... .(Sophocles, 15). Understandably, Oedipus is enraged at the prophets accusations and fatally insists on investigating the murder of King Laius. In Aristotles Poetics, it is stated that a tragedy must be complete - having a beginning, middle and end. Of equal importance ...the sequence of events, according to the law of probability or necessity, will admit of a adjustment from bad fortune to good or from good fortune to bad.(Aristotle, 15). The impetus for the downfall of Oedipus, Known far and wide by name (Sophocles, 1), is his anger. Enraged he slew King Laius and in anger he hastily pursued his own ruination. From the aforementioned recriminations of Tiresias to the conflict with his brother-in-law Creon (his ill temper again displayed - Tempers such as yours most grievous to their own selves to bear,... .(Sophocles, 25) through the revealing exchanges with his wife/mother Jocasta and her slave (whose pity saved the infant Oedipus), damming insight grows in a discursive sequence, all the while fueled by the Oedipal rage. Realizing the heinous nature of his act ions, Oedipus blinds himself in a fit of anger and remorse - now, as Tiresias, he can see. In an age where popular entertainment is apparently guided by the maxim more is better (see the body count in any popular action thriller) and special effects dominate,