Introduction
Sophocles’ Oedipus the King tragedy is the first part of the book The Oedipus Cycle. It tells the story of King Oedipus, as a result of which he fulfilled the Oracle’s prophecy. Tragedy has many themes and motives, mainly suffering, predestination, honor, and shame. Moreover, while some topics are obvious, understanding others requires a more thorough reading of the text. Therefore, this paper explores the complex dynamics of honor and shame in society and analyzes how misplaced honor leads to a catastrophic downfall and how guilt becomes a reason for self-actualization.
Oedipus’ Honor
Despite the tragic fate, the play’s central character initially appears as an imperious and honest ruler and a man of honor. The main character has always tried to act morally and adhere to his principles. Hearing from the oracle about his fate, Oedipus says, “When I heard that, and ever after, I traced the road back to Korinth only by looking at the stars” (Sophocles, 2012, lines 915-916). He leaves home and sacrifices everything he has to avoid the fulfillment of the oracle’s prophecy. This act demonstrates that Oedipus is a man of honor, ready to sacrifice himself for the good of others.
A similar situation can be observed in the scene where the Tsar decides to punish himself for his misdeeds on his own. Upon learning the truth about his parents, “he pulled the long pins of hammered gold clasping her gown, held them up, and punched them into his eyes” (Sophocles, 2012, lines 1437-1439).
Oedipus is consistent in his actions and strives to act according to morality. Despite this, he is still a fallible person. Although the protagonist is a king respected by his people, he knows how to admit his mistakes and bear the punishment for them. His blinding is an attempt to hide from the shame that will haunt Oedipus after he learns the truth. In addition, this is an attempt by the protagonist to isolate himself from what surrounds him and turn to his consciousness in self-reflection and restoration of former honor.
Oedipus’ Shame
However, physical loss of sight opens the protagonist’s mind and helps him regain his honor. Oedipus says: “O light! Let this be the last time I look at you. You see now who I am – the child who must not be born! (Sophocles, 2012, lines 1337-1340). This quote demonstrates the level of shame and remorse the King feels when he learns the truth about his parents and their actions. However, at the same time, the fact that Oedipus sees “light” gives hope for a positive future for the character, which is what happens.
Along with losing sight, Oedipus loses the arrogance and superiority he gained as a king. Moreover, he again, as in his youth, leaves his native city for the benefit of other people. Thus, the shame that Oedipus experienced led him to self-consciousness and the acquisition of even greater honor and dignity than before his blinding.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the story of Oedipus shows a clear relationship between honor and shame. It was the King’s honor that caused his downfall, which led to shame. At the same time, Oedipus’s attempts to atone for his guilt led to his release and self-actualization, thanks to which he returned to his former self, willing to give up himself for the sake of others. The story of Oedipus shows that honor and shame are cyclical and interconnected since both are created under the influence of public opinion. Nevertheless, a person can change one concept for another through radical actions.
Reference
Sophocles. (2012). The Oedipus cycle. (R. Bagg, Trans.). Harper Perennial.