Oedipus The King Pride Essay

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The definition of pride is a formidable or inordinate opinion of one's own dignity, importance, merit, or superiority. Pride can cause ignorance to other people and ultimately a catastrophic end. Oedipus rejects the idea of fate and that gods are in control of the lives of mortals. He believes that he is the all-powerful and determines his own very fate. In the story Oedipus Rex, Oedipus’s tragic downfall is due to his unwillingness to accept his fate. The pride of Oedipus begins when he invites information, no matter how damaging it might be to him. This is the first sign of extreme pride because he feels that it doesn't matter what is said because he does no wrong. He says that he can handle any truth that comes his way. This will lead to his ultimate tragedy. Many people, including his wife, try to convince him to stop his ongoing …show more content…
Jocasta is believed to be unaware that Oedipus is her son. On the other hand it is hard to believe that a mother cannot recognize her own son. Oedipus begins to fear that Jocasta is his mother which leads to a depletion in pride but once again, it is too late. Oedipus rejected the notion of the oracle because he never fully comprehended the truth. Oedipus said, “…If she were dead; but since she lives I must still fear, although you talk so well, Jocasta.”(Sophocles, 15). The most powerful word Oedipus uses is fear because he only begins to fear when he has self-doubt. In the end, Oedipus is absolutely destroyed. His pride evidently overcame all else and overtook him. If Oedipus did not have the pride that he had, he would of accepted the truth and would have dealt with it in a much better way. His pride caused his own downfall, but also the ultimate death of his mother and wife. Oedipus’ unwillingness to pay attention to the role of fate in his own life helps move him closer to accomplishing what he was ultimately seeking to
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