Oedipus: Riddle of the Sphinx as a Metaphor of Life Essay -- Oedipus t

Oedipus Riddle of the Sphinx as a Metaphor of Life Oedipus Rex (the King), written by Sophocles, is the tragic scarper depicting the disastrous existence to which Oedipus, an Athenian, is sine qua nond to endure. With a little help from the gods and the fated actions and decisions of Oedipus, an to the highest degree unthinkable misfortune unfolds. Athenian perfection can consist of intelligence, self-confidence, and a strong will. Oedipus, the embodiment of such perfection, and his tragedy are common mooring to Athenians. Ironic ally, the very same exact characteristics that bring about the ominous uncovering of Oedipus fate to kill his father and marry his mother. Oedipus fated decisions entangle eachone whom is of any consequence to him within a quagmire of spiraling tragedy. Sophocles uses the riddle of the Sphinx as a metaphor for the triple phases of Oedipus entangled life, the three phases of human life, and to describe how every life-changing action or decision can influence other lives. As stated in Literature An Introduction to Fiction, Poetry, and Drama, the Sphinx poses the following riddle to all those who would come to her What goes on four legs in the morning, two at noon, and three at evening?(Gioia and Kennedy, 1253) Many of Thebes most intelligent citizens die as result of answering in the right way. Using his superior discernment and diligence, Oedipus answers the riddle correctly and secures his reward in claiming the high seat of King of Thebes, along perspective Queen Jocasta. As a child, man crawls on his hands and knees, which the Sphinx refers to as four legs. One depends solely on others for nourishment and well being. Sophocles enacts this especial(a) portion of the metaphor by telling us of Oedipus birth an... ...g lifes mint and the riddle of the Sphinx. How often can one look back on life and see the choices one makes, only to come to the realization that no matter what decisions one makes about any and all of life s choices, most of benignity is paralleled by the same metaphor Sophocles uses to guide Oedipus life? The riddle of the Sphinx is fate for each and every man, woman, and child. Although in real life the ending isnt evermore quite as tragic, everyone brings about his or her own discovery of justness and that quest of discovery inevitably touches, and in some cases, dramatically changes the lives of noteworthy and insignificant friends, family, and acquaintances. Works Cited Sophocles. Oedipus the King. Literature An Introduction to Fiction, Poetry, and Drama. Ed. X. J. Kennedy and Dana Gioia. 7th ed. New York Longman, 1999. 1902.