PowerPoint Presentation

The Tragic Hero

The tragic hero must fall from a position of power. In Oedipus case he was the king and at the end he is blind and alone. He is also seen as the best of mortals because he was able to solve the riddle of the Sphynx

The tragic hero must be imperfect so that it is easier for the audience to relate to him. In Oedipus the people tell Oedipus that he is the best of mortals, but he does not make him at the level of the gods. Oedipus hubris is what makes him not perfect.

The fall of the tragic hero is usually due to their flaw. Their end is caused by their own decisions. In the case of Oedipus it is caused the blindness that he has to his situation. His overweening pride or hubris causes this blindness.

The fall of the tragic hero is not a complete loss. There is self knowledge gained as a result as this fall. Oedipus learns the truth at the end of the play. He also learns that one cannot defy the will of the gods.Zach DriscollAP Comp and LitPer 3Oedipus Rex Project