Pride and Determination in Oedipus Rex

A man has many defining characteristics - some positive and some negative. At times, a potentially positive characteristic may cause his eventual downfall. This concept can be directly related to the story Oedipus Rex. Aristotle stated, ?the tragic hero falls into bad fortune because of some flaw in his character of the kind found in men of high reputation and good fortune such as Oedipus.? Essentially, he is telling us that Oedipus has a flaw …

…He had fulfilled the prophecy because of his own actions, which he had believed were beneficial-based on highly respected attitudes of pride and determination. The story of Oedipus shows that pride, sometimes thought of as a positive characteristic, may lead to one?s downfall if it is expressed as arrogance. Oedipus was proud and determined, but if he had not acted on these feelings, he would not have sealed his fate by fulfilling the prophecy.