OEDIPUS: A NOBLE PAWN IN SOPHOCLES "OEDIPUS THE KING"

A man's actions are truly his own. These actions determine his character. In order for a man to be considered noble he must possess outstanding qualities and show these qualities through his actions. In "Oedipus the King," by Sophocles, Oedipus proves that all though his destiny is predetermined, it is his actions that make him the "noblest of men" (Prologue 48). Oedipus, though the gods have kept him tragically blind to the truth remains noble of …

…his own needs. He does not seek the easy solution, as Iocaste did; he stands firm, defeated but not eliminated. He will exist, in spite of his destiny. The gods may have considered him only as their pawn in the chess game of life, but his actions are more like those of a knight, who is willing to jeopardize himself for the kingdom. Oedipus has truly earned the title of the "noblest of men" (Prologue 48).