Essay Database

Kevin Klinger Humanities Sept. 25 2001 Moral Issues In Oedipus Rex The play Oedipus the King, by Sophocles, deals with a variety of moral issues of the time. Oedipus unknowingly kills his own father and marries his mother. The play deals with who should be the rightful heir to the throne, and whether and heir should be a ruler, just because of their bloodline. Oedipus' first words echo, without his realizing it yet, the incest and patricide …

…just because they are born royalty. True leaders are not bred, Sophocles is saying, they are made by their deed, and actions. Oedipus does try to rule honorably, but he is motivated by what is best for him not by the utilitarian good of the people. A true leader is man who is selfless and not self-centered. He rules for the utilitarian good of all his subjects not for his own personal interests and self-gain.