It is a well-known fact of life that even the most experienced people can feel insecure. They suffer from insecurity and, in some cases, constantly need support and assurance that they are the great person everyone else perceives them to be. Written by Sophocles, Oedipus Rex explores the deep insecurities of its main character, King Oedipus, as he searches for King Laius' killer. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essay The play begins when Oedipus has already been crowned king. His great feat of conquering the Sphinx has already been relegated to the distant past. Despite the obvious wealth and position Oedipus has achieved, he maintains an internal state of extreme emotional insecurity and panics at the thought of losing everything he fought so hard to achieve: his very position as king. Oedipus reveals this fear when he attacks Creon for bringing him a blind seer who divulges what Oedipus considers falser prophecies: Oedipus: “'Do you think I know not, That you have plotted to kill me, plotted to steal my throne? Tell me, in the name of God: am I a coward, a fool, that you should dream that you can accomplish this? A fool who couldn't see your slippery game? A coward, for not reacting when I saw it?' " (Sophocles 51). Instead of considering the situation calmly and rationally, Oedipus selfishly places the blame on Creon, his brother-in-law. He insults Creon by hurling sinister and violent words at him, including "plotted", "kill" and "steal". These bad accusations show the audience the degree of indignation and emotional turmoil that Oedipus is experiencing at the time. His feelings are hurt and his reaction is immediate and childish. Oedipus reacts without stopping to consider the consequences of his actions and interrupts a close relationship with one of his most trusted family members. Creon protests his innocence, but Oedipus is so hurt and insecure that he banishes Creon. But, looking more closely at the offensive words mentioned above, Oedipus' insecurities are revealed can help but fear that everyone will see him as a coward and a fool. New York Times reporter Sarah Boxer clarifies this idea by explaining further: “Oedipus is not a man to be pitied for his unconscious crimes and his guilt, but a man who never understood the true crimes of his own history" (Boxer 1). This is an interesting statement, considering that Oedipus seems so surprised every time a new discovery (concerning the murder) is made in the play. As will later be revealed, Oedipus shows no remorse when he tells his wife that he killed several men on his way to another city, which suggests that he was not capable of remorse at first. This appears to be evidence of the emergence of a pathological and dangerous personality. Having now lost Creon, Oedipus continues in his unstable emotional state as he searches for the murderer of King Laius. After revealing his fear of being perceived as weak, Oedipus must compensate by demonstrating his courage and power to the people by actively seeking out the killer. Oedipus boasts to the people of his land: "Sick as you are, none is sick as I. Each of you suffers alone, but my spirit groans for the city" (Sophocles 44). As the people ask for the powerful king's help in destroying the plague, Oedipus, unable to escape his personal feelings, must take matters into his own hands. Instead of focusing on the needs of his people, the king claims to be “sicker” than the afflicted and “suffering more” than anyone else. How strange, but how selfishly human! The king, who lives comfortably in a palace, surrounded by the most luxuries.
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