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Essay / Research Paper Abstract
A 5 page paper discussing Oedipus the King as a tragic hero, according to the definition set forth by Aristotle. Bibliography lists 2 sources.
Page Count:
5 pages (~225 words per page)
File: D0_Troed.doc
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Unformatted sample text from the term paper:
it should be no surprise that he is unable to overcome the demonic forces which exist with him in his world. However there is more at work within the
play than merely lies and deception. There is also Sophocles analysis of an unnatural relationship between a father and his son, and the ultimate consequences that that relationship begets.
Let us analyze Aristotles definition of a tragic hero. He reasoned that there are four things that make up a tragic character. "1) The hero must
be good, regardless of his station in life. 2) The character must be suitable to the hero. 3) The character must be true to life, and
4) The character must be consistent. His actions must have an understandable motivation." (Aristotle, PG). He then went on to offer three additional distinctions: that the hero be
well known, of the aristocracy; that the combination of character and plot be believable; that the character be true to life, yet larger than life, more beautiful. Oedipus meets these
requirements of a tragic hero in that he is basically a good man, although misguided, who makes serious mistakes in his life - as do all men. However, he
evolves to become so much more than he, at first, appeared to be as he came to see the errors of his ways by the end of the play and
went resolutely to meet his fate of self-imposed banishment. In keeping with Aristotles requirement for goodness, Oedipus has a great conscience, albeit not easily recognizable at first. While
he is shown at the beginning of the play to be a just and merciful prince, his accusation of Creon, tyrannical and without evidence, demonstrates that even though good forces
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