Tragic Hero

The character of a tragic hero plays an essential part in an epic story. This specific character is defined as a person who is superior to all others characters and faces adversity that leads to their own downfall. The tragic heroes Oedipus from Sophocles’ “Oedipus, the King,” and Medea from Euripides’ play “Medea,” hold special abilities that make them superior to others. Oedipus is extremely intelligent and has a gift in solving riddles. In fact, he saved the city of Thebes from a winged female monster by solving her riddle, known as the sphinx, and subsequently becoming king. Medea is sorceress who has the ability to mix potions that can cause or solve problems. Medea also is very intelligent and has the power of manipulation. In both literary works, Medea and Oedipus are in positions of power and are facing a problem that needs to be solved. Although these two characters are in completely different positions, Oedipus is searching for justice while Medea is seeking revenge; they both eventually contribute to their own downfall. The following analysis will determine whether or not the actions and qualities of Oedipus and Medea suit Aristotle’s definition of a tragic hero.

The story “Oedipus the King” is about the King of Thebes, Oedipus, who is facing conflict. Oedipus is determined to find out who murdered the former king in order to halt the plague that has taken over the city. Initially, Oedipus showcased his admirable qualities by showing his determination in finding the killer. His outlook is that he has solved a riddle once, saving Thebes from the sphinx, so therefore he is more than capable of doing so again. Oedipus speaks of the pain he has while the city is in plague. He sympathizes with the towns people, and subsequently earns the readers pity,(speaking to the chorus) “My children, I pity you. I see—how could I fail to see what longings bring you here? Well I know you are sick to death, all of you, but sick as you are, not one is sick as I. Your pain strikes each of you alone, each in the confines of himself, no other. But my spirit grieves for the city, for myself, and all of you” (Sophocles, 575). However, Oedipus’ desire for respect and his need for success overshadowed a key quality in a leader; the ability to listen. Therefore, the character traits that seemed to be honorable, eventually lead to Oedipus’ own downfall.

Oedipus displays qualities of cockiness and arrogance by making his search public to the city. He insists on solving the mystery of who killed Laius independently of others, “I’ll start again—I’ll bring it to light myself… I am the land’s avenger by all rights, and Apollo’s champion too” (Sophocles 577). In addition, he openly curses the man who has committed this horrific crime and damns anyone else involved in Laius’ death. Oedipus acts too quickly, without hearing or listening to all the facts. Oedipus sends for the blind prophet, Tiresias. Tiresias is able to foresee the future as well as see the past. He tries to convince Oedipus to leave the mystery alone by telling Oedipus the truth is not what he wants to hear or know. However, Oedipus angrily persists and convinces himself that his brother in law and Tiresias are out to get him. At this point in the story, Oedipus shows himself to be quite pompous and egotistical while confronting the oracle who does not give him the information he wants, “Oh ill let loose, I have such fury in me—now I see it all. You helped hatch the plot, you did the work, yes, short of killing him with your own hands—and given eyes I’d say you did the killing single-handed!” (583)

As the story progresses, and as Oedipus refuses to listen to anyone, he ultimately stumbles across the truth. Oedipus was the son of Laius, the murdered king, and Jocasta, his current wife. The two had learned upon Oedipus’ birth that he was cursed to grow up and kill his father and marry his mother. In an attempt to reverse their fate, Laius and Jocasta sent their son to a shepherd to kill the child (Oedipus). Prior to Oedipus becoming king of Thebes, he killed a man in the woods. Unknown to him at the time, it was King Laius, his own father. Upon discovering this horrible tragedy and sequence of events, Jocasta hangs herself and Oedipus gouges out his eyes. Oedipus also is banished from the land of Thebes for committing these crimes.

The audience learned that Oedipus and his family could not escape their fate. When the gods have determined what is going to happen to a person, one can guarantee that it will. The audience also learns that it is possible to be too strong willed and overly confident. Oedipus was warned multiple times that he should stop seeking answers. However, he persisted because he was determined to show his power and strength. Although his determination is admirable, the qualities he exhibited were mostly ones fueled by his ego. The reader/audience can see that Oedipus significantly aided in his own downfall through his overconfidence, arrogance, and assumption making.

The play “Medea” is saturated with conflict somewhat similar to the story of Oedipus. Jason, the husband of Medea has left her and their two children for another woman. This woman happens to be the king of Corinths daughter. Medea is devastated and becomes harmfully depressed for the loss of her marriage. Medea reminisces on all the things she did for Jason, leaving her home country, murdering her own brother, and helping Jason capture the Golden Fleece. Medea is vengeful and angry at Jason and regretful for what she has done to her family, “ My hateful husband. I pray that I may see him, him and his bride and all their palace shattered for the wrong they dare to do me without cause. Oh, my father! Oh, my country! In what dishonor I left you. Killing my