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Oedipus Thesis Statements and Essay Topics

Below you will find four outstanding thesis statements / paper topics for “Oedipus” by Sophocles that can be used as essay starters. All four incorporate at least one of the themes found in “Oedipus” and are broad enough so that it will be easy to find textual support, yet narrow enough to provide a focused clear thesis statement. These thesis statements offer a short summary of “Oedipus” in terms of different elements that could be important in an essay. You are, of course, free to add your own analysis and understanding of the plot or themes to them. Using the essay topics below in conjunction with the list of  important quotes from”Oedipus” on our quotes page, you should have no trouble connecting with the text and writing an excellent essay.

Thesis Statement #1: Family as Defined in  Oedipus

To the character of Oedipus, his biological parents are not his real parents. He views his adoptive parents as his true parents. He interprets the prophecies based on his beliefs about his family. When he marries his mother and has children with her, he is both their father and their half-brother. Examine the definition of family as outlined in the mind of Oedipus. Does it make his deeds any more or less distasteful because he does not acknowledge his biological parents as his true parents?

Thesis Statement #2: The Role of the Prophecy

Throughout  Oedipus , several prophecies are brought forth. It could be argued that the reaction of his biological parents lead to the prophecies being fulfilled. Laius orders Jocasta to kill her son. She cannot do it, so she orders a servant to do it for her. The servant then leaves Oedipus to die from exposure rather than killing him outright. These actions contribute to the prophecy about Oedipus’ birth becoming truth. Additionally, each character interprets the prophecies based on his or her own beliefs and thoughts. Discuss the relationships between the prophecies and some characters’ beliefs about them.

Thesis Statement #3: Fate and the Tragic Hero

Many readers express pity for Oedipus at the conclusion of the play, as Oedipus did not mean to commit the crimes and misdeeds that befall him.  Some see Oedipus as a “tragic hero” whose one major flaw brings him ruin and sorrow, making the audience feel pity.  However, Oedipus almost seems to disregard the evidence of his crimes that Tiresias gives him.  Did Oedipus have any free will to avoid the tragedies in “Oedipus” or was he meant to live in exile because of his fate?  Does Oedipus have a major flaw that characterizes him as a “tragic hero”?

Thesis Statement #4: An Analysis of Jocasta

Jocasta is at the center of much that occurs within  Oedipus . When Laius orders her to kill Oedipus, she passes the unpleasant job off to one of her servants and does not make sure that it is done. Later on, she unknowingly marries that same son and bears his children. She is both grandmother and mother to them without realizing it. When Oedipus is seeking out the truth behind the prophecy about killing his father and marrying his mother, Jocasta realizes the truth before he does. She tries to prevent Oedipus from pursuing the knowledge. Analyze the role that Jocasta plays in the events of the story. How often does her influence or decision make a difference in how things happen?

Enlightnotes

Oedipus the King

Table of contents.

Tiresias says to Oedipus, “Creon is not your downfall, no, you are your own.” What is the extent of Oedipus’ guilt in his own downfall?

  • “Oedipus the King demonstrates that the quest for truth only leads to self-destruction.” Discuss.
  • What does the play have to say about fate and free will?
  • “The play is about Oedipus’ search for his identity.” Discuss.
  • “What should a man fear? It’s all about chance, / chance rules our lives.” Discuss Jocasta’s philosophy about life.
  • Discuss the dual role of the Chorus.
  • What do the choral odes have to say about the relationship between humans and the gods?
  • What are Oedipus’ feelings about family?
  • Evidence Bank

Oedipus the King is a classic Greek tragedy by Sophocles about the downfall of Oedipus, a heroic yet ill-fated character who was prophesied to slay his father and marry his mother. Oedipus finds himself caught in a dilemma between his determination to unwind the tangled threads of his history, or avoid undermining everything he knows about his life. The premise of the ancient play reminds audiences of the cruel nature of fate and the importance of making good decisions. Yet Oedipus himself is a complex character who does his best to exercise free choice within the restraints of his fate, which lends itself to the argument surrounding the extent of his guilt in his eventual downfall. To a large extent, Oedipus is responsible for his horrible actions that drive him to fulfil the prophecy given to him at birth, such as his violent nature which drives him to slay his father, as well as his incessant drive to seek the truth about himself. Yet as the ancient Greeks would have it, despite taking extensive manoeuvres to avoid his terrible future, Oedipus may have been a prisoner of his own fate and thus remain guiltless.

Oedipus the King, a timeless Greek tragedy penned by Sophocles, unfolds the tragic descent of Oedipus, a heroic figure ensnared in the ominous prophecy of patricide and matrimony with his mother/incest. Confronted with the formidable choice between unraveling the intricacies of his lineage and preserving the foundation of his perceived reality, Oedipus grapples with a profound dilemma. The narrative serves as a poignant reminder of the inexorable cruelty of destiny and the consequential significance of judicious decision-making.Oedipus, a character of intricate depth, endeavors to wield volition amidst the constricting threads of his foretold destiny, thereby fueling debates about the degree of culpability in his eventual downfall. While Oedipus bears considerable responsibility for the grievous deeds that propel him toward the fulfillment of his preordained fate—such as his proclivity for violence leading to the slaying of his parents—he also exhibits an unwavering determination to unveil the veracity of his existence.Yet, adhering to the ancient Greek ethos, Oedipus, despite his concerted efforts to circumvent the ominous prophecy, remains ensnared in the inexorable web of fate, prompting contemplation about his potential innocence. In essence, Oedipus, despite his extensive manoeuvres to avert a calamitous destiny, emerges as a captive of his predetermined path, thereby challenging conventional notions of guilt and culpability.

Oedipus’ violent and aggressive nature, as shown by his various impulsive actions, can be said to be a defining factor which led him to the actions of his downfall. Even considering the audience’s knowledge of his horrible fate, there is no question that his nature lends itself to his questionable actions. For example, Oedipus testifies to Jocasta that the man he killed, Laius, was “accompanied by a herald”, thus announcing to the world that he was a king. Yet Oedipus, despite having been raised as royalty himself, does not hold himself back in the slaughter of Laius, the herald, and multiple others. This can be interpreted in several ways: either his impulsivity and pride led him to rashly kill Laius and his followers, thus cementing his guilt in his own fate, or that the threads of fate led him to make that decision in that moment. Either way, there is little doubt that it was simply part of Oedipus’ nature, as there is little other justification for his violent actions. In a similar way, his dogged determination to uncover the truth of his past turns him hostile and abusive, revealing his hubris; when Tiresias does tell him the truth about what he seeks, he does not listen as he is consumed by paranoia. His aberrant character flaws are thus determinant of his guilt in his own downfall.

Oedipus’ propensity for violence and aggression, manifested through impulsive actions, emerges as a pivotal factor contributing to his eventual downfall. Despite the audience’s awareness of his inexorable fate, there is an unequivocal acknowledgment that his inherent nature propels him towards morally ambiguous deeds. Notably, Oedipus, while recounting to Jocasta the slaying of Laius, explicitly highlights the regal stature of his victim, accompanied by a herald. Paradoxically, even though Oedipus himself was nurtured in royal surroundings, he fails to restrain his carnage, perpetrating the ruthless murder of Laius, the herald, and others. This dichotomy invites interpretations that either his impetuosity and pride precipitated the hasty annihilation, cementing his culpability in his tragic destiny, or that the inexorable threads of fate coerced him into that fateful decision.Moreover, Oedipus’ unwavering commitment to unraveling the truth of his origins transforms him into a hostile and abusive figure, laying bare the depths of his hubris. When Tiresias imparts the veracious revelation he seeks, Oedipus, ensnared by paranoia, remains deaf to reason. His anomalous character flaws thus serve as decisive elements substantiating his complicity in the tragic unraveling of his own fate.

In addition to his violent nature, Oedipus’ incessant seeking of the truth also leads him to his downfall. As the play opens, the audience learns that Oedipus is at the height of his success, as he had already become a great ruler of Thebes, revered by many for “defeating the Sphinx”. This only lends itself to demonstrate the great downfall that he will face at the hands of his own curiosity. Later, when Jocasta tells the tale of Laius’ death to Oedipus, he begins to doubt himself, in that he is indeed the murderer he is seeking. However, despite understanding the consequences, this does nothing to stop the momentum of his investigation. Oedipus refuses to consider Jocasta’s advice that he “live at random, best we can” and according to chance. Instead, he is so fixated on getting to the bottom of the truth by calling for the old shepherd who saved him when he was a baby. Oedipus is aware of the consequences, that “if he refers to one man, one alone, / clearly the scales come down on me: / I am guilty”. Even as the shepherd, like Tiresias, demonstrates reluctance to tell Oedipus what he knows, he insists that the truth must come out. Moreover, when Jocasta collapses in despair, Oedipus remains fervent in his determination to discover his true identity, proclaiming that “I must know it all, / must see the truth at last”. In the end, it is this unwavering confidence and determination for the truth that ultimately leads him to his downfall.

However, despite these interpretations, it can also be said that Oedipus was merely a prisoner of his own fate, indicating that all the questionable actions he took were merely part of his destiny, no matter how hard he tried to avoid it. Through this interpretation, Oedipus is guiltless as there was no way to avoid his fate. Many attempts to avoid Oedipus’ tragic fate appear in the play, yet he still fulfilled it regardless. Jocasta and Laius cast him out as a mere infant; Oedipus exiles himself from his adopted parents in fear that ill would befall them (and not his birth parents). Yet it is fate that drives him towards Thebes and to the crossroads where he slew Laius, where there was no reason to kill Laius, but he was driven to do so anyway. Fate rewards him cruelly with Jocasta as a wife after besting the Sphinx. Lastly, fate drives him to pursue the truth of his past, driving home the final punishment of exile and blindness set by himself. There appeared the illusion of free will in his choices, but Oedipus was ultimately driven to make horrible choices which resulted in the fulfillment of the prophecy. Hence, Sophocles presents the cruel reality that even though characters may take extensive manoeuvres to avoid committing the crimes of their fate, they will be compelled to commit abhorrent acts in order to fulfill their destinies.

Overall, Oedipus himself is a complex character: the extent of his guilt depends on how much the audience places value on his personal choices or the prison of his fate. It is true that his nature lends itself to the interpretation of his own guilt in his actions. However, given the context of ancient Greece where individuals were commonly understood to be prisoner of their own fate, there may have been no way for him to avoid the consequences. Hence, while Oedipus was ill-fated from birth, Sophocles aimed to imbue audiences with the moral that one’s choices are highly important to the outcome of their lives.

“ Oedipus the King demonstrates that the quest for truth only leads to self-destruction. ” Discuss.

good thesis statements for oedipus the king

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Oedipus The King: Analysis of Tragic Hero and Themes

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Published: Jan 31, 2024

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Table of contents

Background information, analysis of the tragic hero, examination of fate and free will, exploration of the theme of blindness, examination of the themes of knowledge and ignorance.

  • Sophocles. Oedipus the King. Penguin Classics, 1967.
  • McAuley, Karen. “Themes in Greek Tragedy : Oedipus the King.” English Tutor, 11 Mar. 2021, englishtutorlessons.com/gcse/greek-myths-and-tragedies/oedipus-the-king/.
  • Segal, Charles. “Sophocles' Oedipus the King and Freud's Oedipus Complex.” International Journal of Psychoanalysis , vol. 70, no. 1, 1989, pp. 1–13.

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good thesis statements for oedipus the king

92 Oedipus the King Essay Topic Ideas & Examples

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  • Pride and Arrogance in the “Oedipus the King” by Sophocles As the events unfold and Jocasta senses that Oedipus is indeed her son, she begs him to drop the matter but he decides to have none of this. This leads to the death of Jocasta […]
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  • Strength of Oedipus Character One day, while Oedipus was on his way, he had a dispute with the King of Thebes and unknown to him he killed him after having the argument.
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  • Women in Literature: Oedipus the King and The Odyssey Two major works of literature, ‘Oedipus the king’ and ‘The Odyssey’, provide some of the best examples of how the role of female characters is portrayed in different ways and how these women influence the […]
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  • Drama Oedipus the King by Sophocles The key aspects of Sophocles’ play capture the learners’ interest in the purpose of comedy and twist of fate. The theme of tragedy is illustrated in the play, Oedipus the King.
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  • Pride in “Oedipus the King” by Sophocles This divergence in the acceptance of what is said to them between the younger and older versions of Oedipus is based on the fact that the older version of Oedipus had developed a considerable degree […]
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  • Sophocles: Fate in “Oedipus the King” From an initial reading, most readers assume that the tragedies that befall Oedipus and his family are mere actions of free will by both Oedipus, his parents and the shepherd but it is actually the […]
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  • Are “Oedipus the King” and “Death of a Salesman” Definitive Tragedies?
  • Why Does Oedipus Choose to Blind Himself in “Oedipus the King”?
  • Can Arthur Miller’s “Death of a Salesman” and Sophocle’s “Oedipus the King” Be Regarded as Tragic Plays?
  • When Did Bad Things Happen to Good People in Sophocles’ “Oedipus the King”?
  • What Does “Oedipus the King” Show Us About Greek Thought?
  • How Is Fate Shown in “Oedipus the King”?
  • Why Did Oedipus Marry His Mom in “Oedipus the King”?
  • Are “Hamlet” and “Oedipus the King” Dramas of Conscience or Consciousness?
  • “Oedipus the King”: Did the Prophecy Cause His Destiny?
  • What Page Does Oedipus Find Out the Truth in “Oedipus the King”?
  • Are “Oedipus the King” and “Death of a Salesman” Tragedies?
  • How Does Oedipus Try to Change His Fate in “Oedipus the King”?
  • How Sophocles’ Tragedy “Oedipus the King” Conforms to Aristotle’s Definition of Greek Tragedy?
  • How Did Oedipus Discover He Killed His Father in “Oedipus the King”?
  • What Is “Oedipus the King” Known For?
  • What Causes Oedipus’s Downfall in “Oedipus the King”?
  • What Literary Techniques and Themes Do Sophocles and Marquez Use to Portray Dramatic Irony in “Oedipus the King” and “Chronicle of a Death”?
  • What Errors Does Oedipus Make in “Oedipus the King”?
  • Who Revealed the Truth About Oedipus’s Beginnings in “Oedipus the King”?
  • Why Does Oedipus Search for Truth in “Oedipus the King”?
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Oedipus the King Essays

Discussion of the play Oedipus the King should be preceded by the notice that the plot for this play was not invented by Sophocles. On the contrary, the story was well-known to Greek audience and probably for this reason it was so popular. The story of king Oedipus served as a starting point for...

Aristotle has written numerous treatises about a variety of topics, one of which is his treatise on Poetics. In this treatise he discusses poetry and the construction of epics, but the treatise focuses heavily on the creation and the definition of a tragedy, especially on the development of the...

1 644 words

Oedipus and Hamlet are two great tragic heroes in literature. Sophocles and Shakespeare made use of almost all the basic elements of tragedy while writing two of the best tragedies: Oedipus Rex and Hamlet. There are many similar and dissimilar qualities in Oedipus and Hamlet. These two characters...

Introduction tragedy is a play dealing with serious events, in which the leading character suffers because of his actions. It ends unhappily, usually with the hero’s death. Although no exact, detailed definition of tragedy has been agreed upon by critics, the term is commonly used to describe...

1 690 words

Aristotle’s definition for a tragic hero is one who is not in control of his own fate, but instead is ruled by the gods in one fashion or another. The tragic hero for Aristotle is tragic because of their lack of control or will in the face of their predetermined future and downfall. It can be...

1 167 words

The essential component to any tragedy, Greek or Shakespearean, is a protagonist with a fatal flaw. In Greek tragedy this is called hamartia. This Latin term translates directly into the word “flaw” but is usually used to describe an excess of a personality trait - virtue or vice (Cave 68). The...

3 115 words

Oedipus Rex and Hamlet are two tragedies with regicide at the centre of their plots. The theme of the first play by Sophocles is subjection of free will to divine design. William Shakespeare’s play is also about the limitation of man in respect to the divine. The latter is however more concerned...

1 366 words

Oedipus and Hamlet are characters of extra-ordinary complexity and no simple formula can unfold mysteries about their nature and disposition. Both fulfill the conception of the tragic hero that we gather from Aristotle’s Poetics i.e. both are highly esteemed and prosperous man who falls into...

1 413 words

Majority of the ancient Greeks have cared deeply about the acquisition of knowledge and its continuous pursuit.  Despite the fact that the truth was often a terrifying idea to fathom, they still saw it as something having critical virtue.  The theater was an instrument or one way in which the...

2 006 words

Oedipus the King: Appetite for Destruction Of all the tragedies that Greek playwright Sophocles created in his illustrious career, the one that stands out as his masterpiece, and quite possibly one of the greatest of all the Greek tragedies is Oedipus the King. The tragedy focuses on the life and...

THE GREEK THEATRE 2) Is Oedipus a Tragic Hero? Answer this question demonstrating specific understandings of the concepts of Tragedy and the Tragic Hero. In the Greek play, "King Oedipus" written by Sophocles, certain characteristics, which determine the traits of a tragic hero, reveal themselves...

1 088 words

Blindness plays a two-fold part in Sophocles’ tragedy “Oedipus the King. ” First, Sophocles presents blindness as a physical disability affecting the auger Teiresias, and later Oedipus; but later, blindness comes to mean an inability to see the evil in one’s actions and the...

Oedipus the King by Sophocles is about Oedipus, a man doomed by his fate. Like most tragedies, “Oedipus the King” contains a tragic hero, a heroic figure unable to escape his/her own doom. This tragic hero usually has a hamartia or a tragic flaw which causes his/hers’ downfall...

1 069 words

In Sophocles' play, Oedipus, the King, there are various instances where Oedipus tries to escape his destiny? enlightenment? only to discover the truth that he cannot. Similarly, in Plato's "allegory of the Cave" the prisoner travails to understand and adjust to his newly visited environment. In...

Sophocles' Oedipus, the King is a great representation of Greek tragedy and of the human experience. Within it, he explores the intricacies of human thinking and communication along with its ability to change as more information and knowledge is acquired. His primary focus as the story begins and...

Oedipus the King has many images of blindness, both physical and blindness of the mind. The characters surrounding these images are Oedipus and Tiresias the prophet. When the play begins Oedipus has vision and Tiresias cannot see, but by the end of the play, it is clear who can really see and who...

"Gods can be evil sometimes. " In the play "Oedipus the King", Sophocles defamed the gods' reputation, and lowered their status by making them look harmful and evil. It is known that all gods should be perfect and infallible, and should represent justice and equity, but with Oedipus, the gods...

1 055 words

Oedipus The King; Did the prophecy cause his destiny? Undoubtedly there has been a tremendous amount of speculation and dissection of this play by countless people throughout the ages. I can only draw my own conclusions as to what Sophocles intended the meaning of his play to be. The drama...

1 012 words

Teiresias vs. Oedipus The play Oedipus Rex by Sophocles tells about a man who is blind to see his own fate. The King goes through many different hubris acts leading up to the reason why he is blind. Throughout the play many different people try to tell Oedipus what's happening but he doesn't want...

In the play Oedipus by Sophocles, King Oedipus is nothing but a self diluted ruler who thinks too highly of himself. He calls the most respected and revered prophet in the land a liar and scam artist to his face "Say what you will. Whatever you say is worthless? Wealth, power, craft of...

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The Story of Oedipus the King

This essay about the timeless narrative of Oedipus explores themes of destiny, familial tragedy, and the limitations of human understanding. It delves into the origins and progression of Oedipus’s saga, tracing his journey from ignorance to tragic self-awareness as he unwittingly fulfills a prophecy of killing his father and marrying his mother. The narrative serves as a profound reflection on existential questions of fate versus free will and the complexities of human identity. Through Sophocles’s portrayal of Oedipus, the essay offers timeless insights into the human condition, provoking contemplation on the nature of anguish, redemption, and the pursuit of truth.

How it works

The narrative of Oedipus, among the most captivating chronicles from ancient Hellenic mythos, encapsulates themes of destiny, familial tragedy, and the confines of human cognition. Credited predominantly to the classical dramatist Sophocles in his opus “Oedipus Rex,” this tale transcends its origins to emerge as a timeless exploration of human nature and providence.

The saga of Oedipus commences with a dire augury bequeathed to Laius, the monarch of Thebes, and his consort, Jocasta. The seer at Delphi prophesies that their progeny will slay his progenitor and espouse his mater.

Aghast at this pronouncement, Laius and Jocasta endeavor to forestall fate. They abandon their newborn offspring on a mountaintop with his feet bound and perforated, whence the epithet Oedipus, signifying “enlarged foot,” is derived. However, destiny eludes such facile circumvention. A shepherd discovers the babe and transports him to the neighboring metropolis of Corinth. There, the childless sovereigns, Polybus and Merope, embrace him as their own.

Oedipus matures oblivious to his authentic lineage. As a youth, he becomes apprised of the prophecy and, presuming Polybus and Merope to be his progenitors, absconds Corinth to avert the oracle’s fulfillment. In his travels, he encounters Laius at a crossroads, instigating a altercation wherein Oedipus unwittingly dispatches his biological sire, thus inaugurating the realization of the seer’s dire prophecy.

Upon arriving in Thebes, Oedipus discovers the city beleaguered by the Sphinx’s malediction. The sphinx enunciates an enigma to wayfarers and devours those who flounder in solving it. Oedipus unravels the sphinx’s riddle, and as recompense, he is proffered the throne of Thebes and the hand of the freshly widowed Queen Jocasta, his biological mother, albeit neither recognizes the other. Oedipus’s assumption of sovereignty consummates the prophecy.

The drama “Oedipus Rex” commences years later, with Thebes enshrouded in famine and pestilence. Oedipus, now an esteemed potentate and patriarch, pledges to unearth the root cause of the city’s afflictions. He ascertains that the city will only be purged upon apprehending and sanctioning Laius’s assassin. Oedipus imprecates a curse upon the slayer, unaware that he himself is the perpetrator. His unrelenting quest for verity culminates in the ghastly revelation of his deeds: he has slain his father and espoused his mother. Jocasta, upon cognizing the veracity, hangs herself, and Oedipus, stricken by his fate, blinds himself.

The saga of Oedipus constitutes a profound contemplation on human existence and the often dolorous quest for veracity. It posits queries regarding volition versus predestination, illustrating the Greeks’ conviction in the dominion of destiny and the gods’ sway over mortal destinies. Oedipus’s tragic foible—his hubris, or excessive conceit—coupled with his unyielding pursuit of enlightenment, eventually precipitates his demise. This thematic filament underscores a broader, admonitory tale about the confines of human apprehension and the perils of disregarding natural order.

Furthermore, Oedipus’s saga mirrors the ancient Greeks’ inquiry into identity. Oedipus’s odyssey is not solely corporeal but profoundly existential; his ultimate odyssey is one of self-awareness, which exacts a catastrophic personal toll. The saga serves as a testament to the intricacies of human character, where virtues such as resolve and valor coalesce with blemishes such as haughtiness and unawareness.

In summation, the chronicle of Oedipus endures as a potent allegory concerning the human condition, reflecting the hazards and obligations that accompany enlightenment and authority. Sophocles’s portrayal of Oedipus not only elucidates the inevitability of fate but also incites rumination on the very essence of human anguish and redemption. Through his narrative, the themes of providence, identity, and verity persistently resonate, proffering timeless insights into the vicissitudes and paradoxes of human existence.

Recall, this exposition serves as a springboard for inspiration and further inquiry. For more personalized guidance and to ensure your exposition adheres to all scholarly standards, contemplate engaging professionals at EduBirdie .

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Building a Thesis Statement

The heart of any essay is its thesis statement; the heart of any thesis statement is the subject-verb-object core of the main clause.  Take the following steps to build your thesis statement from the heart outward.

1.       Build the core.   Choose a noun (or short noun phrase) that describes the main subject of your essay.  Make sure it covers the whole of your subject, but no more.  Then choose a verb that describes both precisely and comprehensively what your subject does in your essay.  Then choose a noun that is the main recipient of the action.  Put the three together in that order. Your objective is to put as much information as possible in the core.  For instance, here’s the core of a thesis sentence in an essay about Oedipus Rex . “ Oedipus Rex explains fate.”

2.       Add to it. Add clauses or phrases to your core to make it a full, descriptive, and interesting sentence.  You can add material before or after the core to concede something, to explain a cause and effect relationship, or to explain a consequence.  For instance, here’s the Oedipus Rex thesis with material added before and after: “At first glance, Sophocles’ most famous play appears to make its hero the victim of circumstance; nevertheless, Oedipus Rex explains fate as a function of character, not fortune.”

3.       Sharpen it. Look for vague, weak, or otherwise unsatisfactory words, phrases, and clauses in your thesis and make them more specific through either substitution or modification.  For instance, here’s the Oedipus Rex thesis sharpened: “Although Sophocles’ most famous play subjects its hero to deception, bad luck, and the crimes of his parents, Oedipus Rex nevertheless reveals fate to be primarily a function of character, not fortune.”

4.       Make your categories with key words. Look at the key works in the sharpened version: “ hero ,” “ deception,” bad luck,” “crimes,” “fate,” “character,” and “ fortune.”   The key words in italics are all potential sections for the body of the essay, especially if you design your thesis to analyze your subject according to defined categories. Not every thesis will list the main sections of your essay perfectly neatly, but almost every thesis will suggest useful divisions in your essay.

5.       Create a title by writing a noun phrase that contains a clear description of your subject and indicates something about your approach and thesis.  “Sophocles’ Idea of Fate” isn’t bad, but “Sophocles’ Idea of Fate in Oedipus Rex ” is better, and “Doomed by Character: Sophocles’ Idea of Fate in Oedipus Rex ” is even better than that.

Oedipus the king fate vs. free will help on thesis statement

lovedance888 1 / 7   Mar 23, 2012   #1 Im trying to think of a thesis satementent for the oedipus the king topic free will vs. fate. the thesis statement should include: 1) 3 points (ABC) examples 2) good vocab usage 3) be 1 sentence thanks!

chalumeau /   Mar 23, 2012   #2 Why don't you try to come up with something, and I'll tell you if it's a thesis. I don't want to write your thesis.

OP lovedance888 1 / 7   Mar 23, 2012   #3 Both the concept of fate and free will played an intregal part in Oedipus' destruction. I need 3 points to support it though

chalumeau /   Mar 23, 2012   #4 It's been years since I read Oedipus but I'll try to show you an example. Decisions based on fear, haste, and superstition contribute to fate overcoming free will in Oedipus Rex. Not the best example of a thesis, but it's a start. See how I use three general points to say that something else occurs. X + Y + Z ------> A > B

chalumeau /   Mar 23, 2012   #5 It's a good essay. Here's the thesis: "His pride, ignorance, insolence and disbelief in the gods, and unrelenting quest for the truth ultimately contribute to his destuction." I would narrow it down to the pride, the disbelief and the quest. Everyone is ignorant of something at sometime. He's a king how can he be insolent? How are these related? Disbelief in the gods-----> disbelief in fate? Quest for truth-----> Free will? You have to become a philosopher in order to write about these old plays. :) I live in modern times and don't believe in fate or superstitions, so it's hard to convey these archaic systems in modern terms.

OP lovedance888 1 / 7   Mar 25, 2012   #6 how should i fix my essay?

chalumeau /   Mar 25, 2012   #7 Start with the thesis as I described above. Disbelief in the gods-----> disbelief in fate? Quest for truth-----> Free will? Do you see the connections that were on the tip of your tongue? "Oedipus' unyielding desire to uncover the truth about Laius' murder and the mystery surrounding his own birth, led him to the tragic realization of his horrific deeds." Good sentence Find two or three quotes that support 1) pride 2) disbelief in the gods 3) quest for truth. The quotes you found are good ones, but they don't necessarily support your thesis. Also try to use the PRESENT TENSE. Almost all teachers want you to use the present tense in an analysis essay. I would love to read another draft.

OP lovedance888 1 / 7   Mar 29, 2012   #8 ok thank you, but I am still struggling on finding 3 points and quotes to use in my essay. Could you please edit the essay I wrote? Thanks :)

good thesis statements for oedipus the king

OP lovedance888 1 / 7   Mar 29, 2012   #10 ok, how would you rewrite the things you edited in my paper?

chalumeau /   Mar 29, 2012   #11 Find two or three quotes that support 1) pride 2) disbelief in the gods 3) quest for truth. The quotes you found are good ones, but they don't necessarily support your thesis. Also try to use the PRESENT TENSE. Almost all teachers want you to use the present tense in an analysis essay. Does the pride counterbalance the disbelief in the gods? Does pride support the quest for truth or is there some other reason? I'm not writing the essay for you. (I already wrote one my senior year of high school and did receive an A on it.) What works best in Oedipus is finding simple relationships and describing them. I think that you had a good start, but if you are unwilling to do anything else--your fate will be not much better than I predicted. Most teachers these days don't even write comments. I remember getting a few words at the ends of my essays. You are fortunate that you found someone willing to work with you. For free! I'm an unemployed A student! And, you still aren't using this opportunity?

OP lovedance888 1 / 7   Mar 29, 2012   #12 alright.. and fyi- im not asking you to write the essay for me... and i appreciate you helping me,,your just not clear for me to understand...Just please use nicer words, what you said was alittle mean and insulting... thanks for the help

chalumeau /   Mar 29, 2012   #13 "ok, how would you rewrite the things you edited in my paper?" Yes, you were asking me to rewrite the paper. It's the one rule of the edit. If I choose to help you construct sentences, then it's a gift. It's something you can't expect or ask me to do. Would you say, "Dad, give me $50 I want to buy something?" No. But, if your Mom or Dad said, "Here's $50 for your birthday," then you take it and thank them. It's the same rule. How am I being unclear? Maybe if you ask some additional questions, I'll figure out where you're stuck.

OP lovedance888 1 / 7   Mar 31, 2012   #14 Yes, but I phrased what I ment to say wrong. And clearly, you are bragging about being an "A" student after graduating, i am also an "A" student. i didnt know you were this mean and rude...

chalumeau /   Mar 31, 2012   #15 Dear Saran, You are taking what I'm saying the wrong way. I was hoping that you would take my advice after learning that I received mostly A's my senior year and in college. I was not the A+ writer (although I admit I did receive a couple A+'s on college papers). I'm not your teacher. I'm not bragging. You don't know me from any other stranger. Right? I don't know you. I just thought you should take me up on my offer to help you with your paper. It's friendly advice on my part. "i didnt know you were this mean and rude..." This sort of comment you make to someone you know? I can't believe anyone on this website would have hard feelings. It's free advice!! I'm not judging you as a person. I don't know you, nor will I ever know you. I pointed out the weaknesses in your introduction. I would have continued with the remainder of the essay, but you are stalling at every point. I received a C on an essay my junior year in high school. It was a bump up from the D my classmates gave me! Ouch. That really hurt. (It was a girl from my old church too.) I'm glad that I received the low grade, because it taught me something important that I didn't know before. (NOT humility.) It was that my parents were wrong sometimes. I asked them for a little help with the paper, and it was the wrong advice!! Before this time, every single question I ever asked them they answered correctly. Every single question, so I obeyed them unconditionally. At that time, I realized that everyone made mistakes including my parents. After that, I didn't feel as badly receiving a bad grade. What sort of comments does your teacher use? If you were paying for advice, what would you expect me to say?

pinkflutter - / 2   May 2, 2012   #16 Analysis on Oedipus the King quotations Hi, My english told me to dig deeper (have depth in my analysis) of the following quotes. I don't know how to have depth in my analysis. The analysis should be 4-5 sentences, and have a deep and meaningfull meaning Here are the quotes: 1.Oedipus says, "What can I ever see? What love, what call of the heart/ can touch my ears with joy? Nothing, friends." 2.Oedipus says, "Listen to you? No More. I must know it all, / I must see the truth at last" 3.Oedipus says, "Now my curse on the murderer, Whoever he is, / alone man unknown in his crime or one among many, let that man drag out his life in agony, step by painful step" 4.Jocasta said, "Stop- in the name of god, / if you love your life, call off this search! / My suffering is enough." Thank You!!

alan alvarado - / 1   Mar 17, 2013   #17 Oedipus the king uses symbolism to show fate unfolds truth;Advice on thesis statement Hi I needed help with with my thesis statement for oedipus the king in making sure that my literary element and theme go together. Thesis: In Oedipus the king, Sophocles uses symbolism to show that fate unfolds truth. Im confused on how to find words to put a good thesis together. help please. Thanks!

good thesis statements for oedipus the king

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  1. What is a good thesis statement for an essay about the tragedy Oedipus

    Expert Answers. A strong thesis is both specific and arguable. For instance, saying that Oedipus Rex is about fate is too vague. It's also not really arguable, as nobody is likely to assert that ...

  2. Oedipus Thesis Statements and Essay Topics » FreeBookNotes.com

    Thesis Statement #1: Family as Defined in Oedipus. To the character of Oedipus, his biological parents are not his real parents. He views his adoptive parents as his true parents. He interprets the prophecies based on his beliefs about his family. When he marries his mother and has children with her, he is both their father and their half-brother.

  3. A Summary and Analysis of Sophocles' Oedipus the King

    Summary. The city of Thebes is in the grip of a terrible plague. The city's king, Oedipus, sends Creon to consult the Delphic oracle, who announces that if the city rids itself of a murderer, the plague will disappear. The murderer in question is the unknown killer of the city's previous king, Laius. Oedipus adopts a sort of detective role ...

  4. Oedipus the King Study Guides & Sample Essays

    Oedipus the King, a timeless Greek tragedy penned by Sophocles, unfolds the tragic descent of Oedipus, a heroic figure ensnared in the ominous prophecy of patricide and matrimony with his mother/incest. Confronted with the formidable choice between unraveling the intricacies of his lineage and preserving the foundation of his perceived reality ...

  5. Thesis statement Sophocles's legendary play "Oedipus The King '', or

    Thesis statement: Sophocles's legendary play "Oedipus The King '', or otherwise known as "Oedipus Rex" introduces the famous contradicting themes of fate and destiny versus free will as well as justice versus ignorance. By using dialogue, characters, and plot, the play teaches us that our decisions make our future and shape who we are. It also highlights the idea that all hardships in our life ...

  6. The tragedy of Oedipus: [Essay Example], 974 words

    The defect in a hero's personality is also known as their "tragic flaw". One of Oedipus" tragic flaws displayed in the tragedy is his lack of self-knowledge. When he hears the story of how the king, Laius, was brutally murdered, Oedipus is eager to get to the bottom of the story and find the person who is guilty.

  7. Oedipus The King: Analysis of Tragic Hero and Themes

    The play "Oedipus the King" is a tragedy written by Sophocles around 429 BC. The play tells the story of Oedipus, the King of Thebes, who unwittingly fulfills a prophecy that he would kill his father and marry his mother. The play explores themes of fate and free will, blindness, and knowledge vs. ignorance, making it a relevant piece of ...

  8. 92 Oedipus the King Essay Topic Ideas & Examples

    Hamlet and King Oedipus Literature Comparison. This essay compares the characters and roles of both Hamlet and King Oedipus as the sons who have to deliver justice to their fathers' killers. Gregor's Relationship With His Father in "The Matamorphosis". This paper seeks to explore the father and son relationships in Metamorphosis and ...

  9. The Oedipus Plays

    Sophocles foregrounds the issue of human freedom by setting the play long after the initial prophecy has been fulfilled. When the play opens, Oedipus has been living happily with Jocasta and their four children for many years. The people of Thebes revere him as a wise and brave leader, a man who "lifted up [their] lives" by defeating the ...

  10. What is a good thesis for an essay on fate versus free will in Oedipus

    What is a good thesis statement analyzing the chorus's perspective on fate and free will in Sophocles' Oedipus Rex? While the chorus in Oedipus Rex frequently refers to fate, the members of the ...

  11. Oedipus the King Essays for College Students

    Informal Discussions of Oedipus the King. Discussion of the play Oedipus the King should be preceded by the notice that the plot for this play was not invented by Sophocles. On the contrary, the story was well-known to Greek audience and probably for this reason it was so popular. The story of king Oedipus served as a starting point for...

  12. 100+ Best Oedipus the King Topic Ideas & Essay Examples

    A good essay is a result of honest and real enthusiasm. Table of contents hide. 1 Compare and contrast "Oedipus the King" topics. 2 Analytical essay topics for "Oedipus the King" essay. 3 "Oedipus the King" essay questions. 4 Descriptive essay topics "Oedipus the King". 5 Argumentative "Oedipus Rex" topics.

  13. The Story of Oedipus the King

    This essay about the timeless narrative of Oedipus explores themes of destiny, familial tragedy, and the limitations of human understanding. It delves into the origins and progression of Oedipus's saga, tracing his journey from ignorance to tragic self-awareness as he unwittingly fulfills a prophecy of killing his father and marrying his mother.

  14. Building a Thesis Statement

    Take the following steps to build your thesis statement from the heart outward. 1. Build the core. Choose a noun (or short noun phrase) that describes the main subject of your essay. Make sure it covers the whole of your subject, but no more. Then choose a verb that describes both precisely and comprehensively what your subject does in your essay.

  15. Oedipus The King Thesis

    October 4, 2016. The Fall of " Oedipus the King" In Sophocles' " Oedipus the King " we read of how he accidentally fulfilled a prophecy that he would bring disaster to his city and family by killing his father and marrying his mother. Many consider this story to be a "tragedy of fate, of how human beings are totally preordained ...

  16. Thesis Statement For Oedipus

    This is my thesis statement. The Greeks contributed many things to our culture, such as olives, gyros, Lenny Kravitz, anal sex, and Oedipus. Oedipus will be remembered though out time because he suffered from Lou Gehrig 's disease, and that's why he couldn't play base ball in the first Olympic games. He will always be remembered for his ...

  17. Thesis Statements For Oedipus The King

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  18. Oedipus the king fate vs. free will help on thesis statement

    lovedance888 1 / 7. Mar 23, 2012 #1. Im trying to think of a thesis satementent for the oedipus the king topic free will vs. fate. the thesis statement should include: 1) 3 points (ABC) examples. 2) good vocab usage. 3) be 1 sentence.

  19. Good Thesis Statements For Oedipus The King

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  20. A Good Thesis Statement For Oedipus The King

    A Good Thesis Statement for Oedipus the King - Free download as PDF File (.pdf), Text File (.txt) or read online for free. Scribd is the world's largest social reading and publishing site.

  21. Good Thesis Statements For Oedipus The King

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  22. Thesis Statement for Oedipus the King

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