Synthesis of Oedipus

Synthesis Paragraphs 

My view of Oedipus throughout the play has been like a roller-coaster. During the beginning of the play, I liked him as a king because he seemed like he would be a great king saving Thebes from danger with his bravery and loyalty, “Now you have me to fight for you”. However, Oedipus’ long journey of finding the truth about his life and dreadful actions alter my feelings. Some of the situations that he made wrong decisions on are cursing himself, arguing with Tiresias, blaming Creon for the murder and most importantly is ignorance signifies the whole thing. His ignorance is one of the main characteristic traits that I don’t like about him. Although his ignorance and his pride is one of his flaws as a king and a leader, the audience will eventually realize that he didn’t acknowledge how dreadful the truth is. I felt really empathetic when he mentioned how his last wish is to hug his kids before he exiles himself and to see his mother and wife commits suicide after she found out the truth. Oedipus development was a long roller-coaster that constantly changed my emotions along Oedipus journey.

Some important understandings I have gained about leadership is that in order to be a great leader you should not be ignorant nor have too much pride. Ignorance and pride may lead to a decrease in faith from your peers and too much pride will just lead you to embarrassment and guilt, “You must see that- I was so wrong, so wrong”. When Oedipus showed too much pride it caused his blindness and his lost of his whole life; his tragedy. Oedipus pride and ignorance leads to his dreadful truth. If Oedipus was a true and loyal king, he would need leadership skills like listening to the city, hearing what they want, with full respect for them, should not be selfish and should focus on healing the people or at least give aid. These qualities are essential for a king because this will help the leader to be a great king and to be a king that everyone will respect.

Reference:

Sophocles. Oedipus the King. The Three Theban Plays. Trans. Robert Fagles. New York: Penguin   

           Classics, 1984. Print.