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Oedipus Rex, Gilgamesh, Inferno

In DanteÆs Inferno, SophoclesÆ Oedipus Rex, and The Epic of Gilgamesh, each of the writers of these works attempted to convey to audiences of the era what is was to be a man in their times. In each of these works, we see a different definition of what is a man, but in each we see some similarities.

In DanteÆs Inferno, we see that man is basically a sinning creature. The trip through the depths of hell described in the Inferno is meant to put the fear of God (and Satan) into audiences of the era. For DanteÆs Inferno shows that when one lives up to the qualities of being a man in the eyes of God, then escape from this hellish eternity is possible through redemption and salvation. This is only possible when one embraces right living and conduct and accepts God into their life as Savior. We see courage is a defining aspect of what it is to be such a man, when Virgil tells Dante in Canto II that it is only his cowardice which ôsometimes lies like a load on man, and makes them flag so that they turn back from the fittest task,ö (Cantor, p. 337).

In Oedipus Rex, we are provided with the tragic tale of Oedipus. The story of Oedipus is also meant to demonstrate to audiences what qualities it is that make a man in their era. We see in OedipusÆ behavior that such qualities as bravery, honesty, and courage are very important in defining a man. Like Dante, we see that courage is very important. However, in Oedipus we see that even the greatest of men, like Oedipus, are capable of a downfall, primarily because of their own flaws or weaknesses. OedipusÆ insistence on discovering the truth and his unwillingness to listen to others brings about his downfall. However, even great heroes must die and OedipusÆ tale is meant to demonstrate that a man is someone who, when faced with death, faces it courageously and nobly. Oedipus does exactly this. He blinds himself and accepts his punishment of exile like a man, ôWhy

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Oedipus Rex, Gilgamesh, Inferno. (1969, December 31). In LotsofEssays.com. Retrieved 06:32, March 28, 2024, from https://www.lotsofessays.com/viewpaper/1710937.html