Oedipus+rex+essay

In this story Oedipus Rex, Oedipus did a lot of things he wasn't proud of. He murdered his real father/King Laius, married his real mother/Jocasta, and the had kids with her! So the question is.. is Oedipus a tragic figure? And how?

Yes, Oedipus is a tragic figure in many ways. He was a mighty figure, the king of Thebes. He endured common suffering, because he murdered his father and married his mother. He also suffers a reversal of fortune, he was king and then got kicked out. His plight does enoble us - see the depth of human suffering.

At the end, he recognizes his consequences of his action so he gouges out his eyes. So now, he's also blind. His mother/wife (Jocasta) hung herself after this and Oedipus had to say goodbye to his kids.