Use of Character Flaws and Literary Devices to Teach...

Use of Character Flaws and Literary Devices to Teach Morals in Oedipus Rex The Greek tragedy Oedipus Rex is an excellent example of how an author can use literary techniques and personality traits to teach a certain moral or theme. In Oedipus Rex, Sophocles communicates his themes and morals to the reader through the character flaws of Oedipus, a tragic hero. The most prominent character flaw that Oedipus possesses is his excessive arrogance. One way this flaw is displayed is Oedipus repeated use of the pronoun I. In lines sixty seven through eighty alone, Oedipus uses the word I eight times, projecting his haughty personality. I have found one helpful course, and that I have taken: I have sent Creon†¦to Delphi†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦show more content†¦In this quote Oedipus mocks Teiresias because he is unwilling to except Teiresias view of the future. Oedipus is so egotistical and proud that he dares to suggest that he is superior to a high priest of Apollo. Another major character flaw that Oedipus holds is his inability to view a problem on more than one plane of thought. Every time Oedipus is confronted with a situation he makes a rash decision and assumes, because of his hubris, that he has made the best choice. These decisions, however, contribute to the ultimate fall of Oedipus. I found one helpful course, and that I have taken states Oedipus, displaying his characteristic of looking at a problem and considering only one solution (70-71). Oedipus seems solve problems with rash and close minded solutions. This can be seen when Oedipus, no matter what the consequences, insists on knowing his true origin even after Jocasta pleads him to stop questioning the messenger: For gods love, let us have no more questioning! Is your life nothing to you? (1005-1006). However base my birth, I must know about it. replies Oedipus (1024). Since Oedipus did not stop to consider what might be revealed in his past, he obtained all knowledge and fell from his high pedestal. When Oedipus was living in Corinth with his supposed parents a soothsayer told him that his destiny was to murder his father and marry his mother. Stricken with fear, Oedipus considered only one solution toShow MoreRelatedDeveloping Management Skills404131 Words   |  1617 Pagespermission should be obtained from the publisher prior to any prohibited reproduction, storage in a retrieval system, or transmission in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, phot ocopying, recording, or likewise. To obtain permission(s) to use material from this work, please submit a written request to Pearson Education, Inc., Permissions Department, One Lake Street, Upper Saddle River, New Jersey 07458. Many of the designations by manufacturers and seller to distinguish their products