Aristotle Greek Tragedy (Journal 5 Oedipus)

Sophocles evokes the emotions of pity and sorrow through the ridiculous plot of Oedipus the King. The plot is so far off from the average life of a person it seems awkward and strange, it displaces them from their comfort zone and brings them into an area of pity and sorrow felt for the main character (Oedipus). The plot also touches on some social taboos, such as incest and murder, in a society where these acts are looked down upon they solicit an emotion of empathy and regret for Oedipus who was destined to have this happen to him. The circular structure of Oedipus the King also evokes the feelings of pity and sorrow in the audience. Through out his life Oedipus always tried to avoid the prophecy by leaving his home. He then defeats the Sphinx and becomes the hero of Thebes. Oedipus accomplished a lot of good things in his life, but as a result he fulfilled the prophecy. When the prophecy is fulfilled his life spirals out of control; his wife/mother kills herself and he blinds himself. His whole family is negatively affected and this brings out the feeling of pity in the audience. Sophocles uses this type of literature (tragedy) to touch the audience personally so they may reflect on their own lives and see the truth about the human condition and see how it plays out in Oedipus.