Brief Summary of the Oedipus Rex as the Ideal Tragic Hero of Aristotle

In “Oedipus Rex As the Ideal Tragic Hero of Aristotle” author Marjorie Barstow explains that why Aristotle sees Oedipus as an ideal character. If we approach the hero with warm blood, it is not possible to feel the feeling of fear and pity, which is the task of the tragedy. It is not always possible for the modern reader, who turns towards classical drama for pleasure, to be emotionally affected. Emotional readers, who are very busy with Greek concepts and terms, cannot benefit from the function of poetry.

Barstow compares the ideal of Ethics with that of Poetic. Aristotle emphasizes that a person finds the joy of life by making an effort for something. He reached this information with a vision that does not rely on material wealth and truly understands life. Humans must maintain a fair balance and direct their emotions and will to the right purpose. Ethics has nothing to do with fear and pity. Being good and logical causes us to get all the chances. According to the author, the person who strives for happiness is considered the ideal character. According to Aristotle, Oedipus is the ideal character from a single point of view. He has no broad vision and wisdom. However, his goals and emotions, even his mistakes, make people sympathetic.

Barstow mentions that, according to Aristotle, the person who reaches happiness is the person who can understand the facts and powers in all aspects and manage his emotions in a logical manner. In the Oedipus Rex, we have already seen the opposite. A person who looks at an event from only one perspective and cannot control his emotions only gets unhappy. We can clearly see this philosophy of Aristotle and Sophocles in the drama.

— Yaren Karakoç —