Oedipus essay
“How does Sophocles use various literary devices (like dramatic irony, characterization, tone, etc.) to explore the theme of man’s journey of self-discovery? Cite examples from Oedipus and one other piece we have read in class or own experience.”
We must have gone through searches of identities in our lives. At that time, we might be confused by how other saw us and how we saw ourselves. Some would start reject themselves, and others would learn to accept. In “Oedipus the King”, the author Sophocles uses characterization, dramatic irony and symbols to emphasize the obstacles of Oedipus in his search of identity. Sophocles utilizes dramatic irony in his play to present that everyone has to face difficulties in his or her search of identity. In the opening of the book, Oedipus says, “ For when I drive pollution from the land I will serve a distant friend’s advantage, but act in my own interest”(12). Oedipus intends to find the killer of Laius and banish him. However, Oedipus himself is the person he wants to find. The problem in Thebes causes confusion in Oedipus’ identity. Like Oedipus, we may define ourselves differently from how we act. The problems in our lives make us question our beliefs and morals. I agree with the message that Sophocles implies in the book. I act differently from what I want to do. For example, I love my parents and appreciate their hard work to support me. In action, however, I sometimes talked to them impolitely and refused to do what they want. When I was younger, I asked myself if I really did not like my parents. I thought that I was an ungrateful and unrespectful daughter in the family. I was confused by the disparity between my feelings and my actions. In Oedipus and my searches of identities, we understand more of ourselves through the difficulties in our lives. Sophocles characterizes Oedipus as an arrogant person and this characterization makes the truth obscure to Oedipus. When Oedipus starts to talk, he first says
We must have gone through searches of identities in our lives. At that time, we might be confused by how other saw us and how we saw ourselves. Some would start reject themselves, and others would learn to accept. In “Oedipus the King”, the author Sophocles uses characterization, dramatic irony and symbols to emphasize the obstacles of Oedipus in his search of identity. Sophocles utilizes dramatic irony in his play to present that everyone has to face difficulties in his or her search of identity. In the opening of the book, Oedipus says, “ For when I drive pollution from the land I will serve a distant friend’s advantage, but act in my own interest”(12). Oedipus intends to find the killer of Laius and banish him. However, Oedipus himself is the person he wants to find. The problem in Thebes causes confusion in Oedipus’ identity. Like Oedipus, we may define ourselves differently from how we act. The problems in our lives make us question our beliefs and morals. I agree with the message that Sophocles implies in the book. I act differently from what I want to do. For example, I love my parents and appreciate their hard work to support me. In action, however, I sometimes talked to them impolitely and refused to do what they want. When I was younger, I asked myself if I really did not like my parents. I thought that I was an ungrateful and unrespectful daughter in the family. I was confused by the disparity between my feelings and my actions. In Oedipus and my searches of identities, we understand more of ourselves through the difficulties in our lives. Sophocles characterizes Oedipus as an arrogant person and this characterization makes the truth obscure to Oedipus. When Oedipus starts to talk, he first says