The Decline of Oedipus

The Decline of Oedipus in Oedipus Rex Oedipus began Oedipus Rex as a king, only to end the tale as a blinded beggar. Oedipus’ fall from his kingly status is not by accident or because of some other person. Oedipus is the only one that can be blamed for his misfortune. Oedipus’ character traits of haste, anger, and truthfulness are shown most clearly during his spiraling downfall where he thinks he is a simple man …

…eyes – as foretold by Teiresias. “Blind, who once could see…father who is also brother; to the one who bore him, son and husband; to his father, his seed-fellow and killer. (459)” Fate is inescapable; attempts to try and alter ones fate will only bring more pain and suffering as witnessed in this play. Life is waiting until the end, scrutinizing the dying day, and not calling it happy until the crossover into another world (wc 610).