The Psychology of an Adopted Boy as examined by Sophocles in his Tragedy King Oedipus

Abstract

King Oedipus was even referred to by Aristotle when examining the ideal type of tragedy in his Poetics.Many have commented on its merits as a tragedy that brings out the cathartic emotions of fear and pity, considered best in a tragic play. The rapid movement of plot, the presentation as well as the visual impact that made the play a success has caught the interest of many. But in this paper, the concentration is the protagonist of the play, Oedipus himself. But the analysis is made with reference to the psychology of an adopted boy. Of how, Oedipus , though a mighty king , acts and reacts as an adopted boy. The insecurity, desire to find the biological parents, indignation , the quest itself which becomes a personal one is brought in to discussion which leads to reexamine certain theories presented earlier, such as the nature of the tragic flaw etc. Would he have acted differently if he had not a personal quest? Or was it purely a result of integrity or that of security or political?