Oedipus: Topic 8

Outline of the Paper3

Thesis Statement4

Discussion Analysis4

Dissimilarities in Oedipus and Creon4

Similarities in Oedipus and Creon6

Differences in Oedipus and Creon's Traits7

Conclusion8

References9

Oedipus: Topic 8

Outline of the Paper

The paper is intended to compare and contrast the character of Oedipus and Creon in the Oedipus of Rex. It has been observed that both of these characters hold number of similarities and differences in their approaches to kingships, religion, approach to power and family. In the play, both of the characters are demonstrated as rulers of Thebes. After the murder of former king of Thebes, Laius, Oedipus becomes leader after successfully solving the riddle of Sphinx. Later on, Creon (the brother in law and Uncle of Oedipus) becomes the King of Thebes after the death of his nephew (Oedipus). Their leadership qualities are totally different from each other as Oedipus is a good ruler apart of his flaws, but Creon is a bad ruler apart of his virtues. The paper will discuss the insight characteristics of both roles as the rulers of Thebes. Sophocles depicts two rulers in the play and showed similarities and differences that distinguish them as ruler of Thebes. Creon is portrayed as a bad ruler with distinct nature; whereas, Oedipus showed as a good leaders with leadership skills. It was the quality of Oedipus that he likes to go in-depth of the problem; therefore, he keenly wants to resolve the plague for the betterment of Thebes. Both of the characters were condemned to live in the darkness of ignorance and pain within an irrational and mysterious world. Oedipus and Creon constantly fought against their will to the fatal outcome.

Thesis Statement

Leadership qualities are admired to find in Oedipus, but it is certainly difficult to find in Creon.

Discussion Analysis

Dissimilarities in Oedipus and Creon

According to townspeople, Oedipus is a great leader who understands the problems of his people. He possesses the qualities of good leaders and knows how to govern the state. When he learns the plague by the town, Oedipus certainly takes immediate action before the reaction of townspeople. The gods throw a terrible plague in the city and people discovered that the only way to salvation is to find the murderer of Laios. Oedipus notifies them about his understanding and actions of their concerns which would ultimately affect Thebes. During the announcement to the people, he says “You can trust me. I am ready to help, I will do anything. I would be blind to misery not to pity my people kneeling at my feet” (Sophocles 159). The lines show the nature of Oedipus as he is sympathetic to people's concerns and needs. For the sake of townspeople, he sends Creon to collect the information from the Oracle. After the return of Creon, Oedipus shows his truthfulness, sincerity and determination as a ruler or leader (Adams, 1957). At this point, Creon says “If you want my report in the presence of these people I m ready now, or we might go inside” (Sophocles 163). In response to it, Oedipus asks Creon to ...