1. Tragic Hero:
Oedipus, the main character, is a tragic hero who possesses admirable traits but is ultimately doomed by a tragic flaw. He is a wise and just ruler, but his excessive pride and desire for knowledge lead to his downfall.
2. Hubris (Excessive Pride):
Oedipus exemplifies hubris, a fatal flaw that often leads to the protagonist's downfall in tragedies. He believes he can escape fate and defies the prophecies that warn him of his fate.
3. Peripeteia (Reversal of Fortune):
Oedipus's life takes an unexpected turn when he discovers the truth about his identity and actions. The revelation that he killed his father and married his mother inverts his fortune from a respected king to a cursed man.
4. Anagnorisis (Recognition):
Oedipus's tragic downfall is precipitated by his recognition of the truth about his past. His moment of self-realization leads to profound anguish and horror.
5. Catharsis (Emotional Purification):
Oedipus Rex evokes strong emotions of pity and fear in the audience. As they witness Oedipus's suffering, they experience a sense of catharsis—a release of pent-up emotions and a cleansing of the soul.
6. Tragic Ending:
The play concludes with Oedipus's downfall, as he blinds himself and exiles himself from Thebes. His tragic demise serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of human pride and the inevitability of fate.
7. Social and Moral Themes:
Oedipus Rex explores timeless themes such as fate, free will, human suffering, and the pursuit of knowledge. It delves into the complexities of human existence, raising profound questions about the relationships between gods and mortals.
Therefore, Oedipus Rex not only meets the criteria of tragedy but exemplifies the genre, showcasing its key elements and leaving a lasting impact on audiences through its powerful storytelling and exploration of universal themes.