Essay on Iranian Revolution - 1496 Words

Evaluate the role of Islamic fundamentalism in the 1979 Iranian revolution (1200) Various factors influenced the 1979 Iranian revolution, but at the core of this significant event was Islamic fundamentalism. The Iranian religious leader, Ayatollah Khomeini, led this movement to end the thirty-seven-year reign of Mohammad Reza Shah Pahlavi, also known as the Shah of Iran (Diller 1991, p.152). The revolution was a combination of mounting social, economic, political and religious strains. The nation of Iran was never colonized, unlike some of its bordering countries, making its people intolerant of external influences. The Shah had gradually westernized and secularized his country, creating a strong American presence that was being felt†¦show more content†¦This continued to exacerbate the gap between the social classes of Iran. The main reason for the Shah’s confidence in bringing his people prosperity was the mass amount of revenue Iran was generating from Oil. The nationalization of Iran’s oil in the fifties meant increased profits for the nation. Iran’s economy was growing exponentially; its GDP was five times higher in 1976 than it was in 1960 (Clawson, p.15). Islamic modernists, such as Marxist Mujaheddin-e-Khalq, opposed the Shah’s capitalist economic policies (Diller 1991, p.152). There were several other groups that were not pleased with the Shah’s growing focus on economic growth, including the ulemas (councils composed of local Mullahs or respected religious leaders) (Sanders 1990, p.66). These ulemas possessed considerable local influence, as they were in charge of the educational systems and had influence over the urban poor and bazaar merchants (Diller 1991, p.152). In the midst of all that was going on in Iran, Khomeini lived in exile in Paris. The Ayatollah however, was well informed, and managed to sneak tapes into the country to his supporters and the local ulemas. These tapes spread the word of Islamic fundamentalism to these groups that opposed that Shah, and gave them a binding p ower that eventually would be the revolution of February 1979. Not long, Khomeini hadShow MoreRelatedThe Iranian Revolution 732 Words   |  3 Pagesdetermine whether a revolution is successful or not. This is not the case for Iran. Since the revolution, Iran has been economically, politically, and socially unstable. With an economy dependent on oil, a natural source whose production is unpredictable, stability is simply unattainable. With the same leader for a long period of time, not much can change politically. Oppositions and revolts can happen and disrupt the social lives of Iranian citizens. Although the Iranian Revolution was politically successfulRead MoreIranian Revolution1648 Words   |  7 Pagesbreeding ground for some kind of political upheaval or another. In recent times, back in 1979, there was a major revolution which was, in some ways, similar to the revolution we are seeing today. The people were angry and they were tired of being controlled by the government th at was in power. They had concrete ideals and were incredibly passionate about their revolution. The revolution Iran is experiencing today does not appear to be quite as passionate and does not appear to maintain a belief inRead MoreThe Iranian Revolution3901 Words   |  16 PagesThe Iranian Revolution Iran is a country located in the Middle East. The main source of income for the country is oil, the one object that had greatly influenced its history. Iran s present government is run as an Islamic Republic. A president, cabinet, judicial branch, and Majilesor or legislative branch, makes up the governmental positions. A revolution that overthrew the monarch, which was set in 1930, lasted over 15 years. Crane Brinton s book, An Anatomy of a RevolutionRead MoreThe Revolution And The Iranian Revolution2172 Words   |  9 Pages The 1979 Iranian Revolution was a major landmark in Iranian history. â€Å"Iran s revolution began with a popular democracy movement and ended with the establishment of the world s first Islamic state.† (In pictures: The Iranian Revolution) There are various parties that have different viewpoints and opinions of the revolution. Those who were pro-Islam during the revolution believe that the revolution was an event that brought structure and order to Iran. However, those who were against the countryRead MoreIslamic Revolution And The Iranian Revolution1433 Words   |  6 PagesIslamic Revolution Islamic Revolution, better known as the Iranian Revolution of 1979 holds immense importance in the history of Iran. It was a revolution that shook the world and lead to rearrangements of the global alliances. The Iranian Revolution saw the overthrow of the Pahlavi dynasty governed under the Mohammad Reza Shah Pahlavi, who was supported by the United States of America – showing his inclination towards modernization and secularizing the country. The revolution was led by AyatollahRead MoreIran And The Iranian Revolution1227 Words   |  5 Pagesdiscontent that the Iranian citizens felt for their government and their economic situation was a contributing factor in the outbreak of the 1979 Iranian Revolution, it was the growing Western influence in Islamic culture that was the main cause for the revolution. The Iranian/Islamic Revolution refers to the events involving the deposing of Mohammad Reza Shah Pahlavi and pro-American government, and the replacement with an anti-Western authoritarian theocracy under the leader of the revolution, the GrandRead MoreThe Islamic Revolution And The Iranian Revolution Essay1379 Words   |  6 PagesDuring the Islamic Revolution in the Iranian country, education was essential to the people. Shah wanted the Western education because he believed that it was best for the Iranian people. Most of the women’s were involved in the demonstration of wearing the veil has some western education. The Islamic revolution wanted things to go back to the original Islamic culture. Based on the Complete Persepolis, in 1979, a revolution took place and later called â€Å"The Islamic Revolution†. This is the periodRead MoreThe Iranian Revolution And The Islamic Revolution Essay1330 Words   |  6 PagesDuring the Islamic Revolution in the Iran, education was essential to the people. Sha wanted the Western education because he believed that it was best for Iranian people. Most of the women were involved in the demonstration o f wearing the veil has some western education. The Islamic revolution wanted things to go back on the Islamic culture. Based on the complete Persepolis, in 1979, a revolution took place, and later called â€Å"The Islamic Revolution†. This is the period they were forcing people toRead MoreThe Iranian Revolution Of 1979 Essay1812 Words   |  8 PagesThe Iranian Revolution, also known as the Islamic Revolution of 1979 took place in Iran. It is when Mohammad Reza Shah Pahlavi the emperor of Iran during that time, was overthrown by the revolutionary forces led by Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini and thereafter established the Islamic National Republic of Iran. The Iranian Revolution brought a big change into the international community and how it viewed revolutions. As Iran’s revolution lacked many of the fundamental causes that were though to giveRead MoreThe Iranian Revolution And The Revolutionary Revolution1313 Words   |  6 PagesThe Iranian Revolution was its climax i n 1979 with the Revolutionary goal being met by its supports. Supporters of the revolution stood mixed in their goals for a new Iran. The Islamic Extremist lead by Ayatollah Khomeini wanted to install an Islamic regime inside of Iran that would follow Islamic law. Religious clerics viewed the Shah as not being a positive leader of Iran and wanted him overthrown and the country left as is. Iranians such as the middle class and students wanted to install an Islamic

The s Syndrome A Disease Of The Inflammatory System

Sjogren’s syndrome is a disease of the inflammatory system that mostly affects tear and saliva glands, but it can also cause complications in other parts of the body. It was first described by ophthalmologist Henrik Sjogren in 1930, where it was also known as sicca syndrome (ss). People of all ages can be affected, and between 400,000 and 3.1 million adults have the disease. Symptoms are usually seen later in life, between the ages of 45 and 55, with women more commonly affected than men (Wise, 2015). The condition is classified into two types: primary and secondary. Primary consists of dryness of the mouth and eyes, while secondary is often associated with another immune system disorder, like rheumatoid arthritis, lupis, or scleroderma. Most often, it is presented in around 25 to 35 percent of rheumatoid arthritis patients. Both types share dry eye and mouth as key indicators of the disease (Cartee, 2015). While what exactly causes this disease is not yet identified, it is known to be an autoimmune disorder. Genes and viral or bacterial infections may be suspected in playing a role in development (Wise, 2015). Experiencing stress and hormonal factors can also influence changes to occur (Cartee, 2015). Abnormal proteins in the blood are often seen, signifying that a patient’s immune system is reacting against its own tissue, instead of functioning normally to protect the body against invaders. Inflammation impairs the glands that produce tears and saliva first, which isShow MoreRelated Guillain-Barre Syndrome Essay examples1270 Words   |  6 PagesGuillain-Barre Syndrome Most people do not expect to become paralyzed during the course of their lives. Barring injury to the nervous system or debilitating disease, one does not expect to lose motor function. In spite of these expectations, people of all races, sexes, ages, and classes can be afflicted with a debilitating syndrome that can lead to difficulty in walking or even to temporary paralysis in the most severe cases. This syndrome is known commonly as Guillain-Barre Syndrome, or GBS. Read MoreChronic Kidney Disease ( Ckd ) Essay1145 Words   |  5 PagesChronic Kidney Disease (CKD) It is common to encounter patients with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD), most likely occuring with other comorbidities, such as diabetes mellitus and hypertension. As nurses, providing a plan of care to prevent acute illness is imperative in the disease management of patients. Additionally, it is important in instilling a learning relationship with the patient with regards to knowing their current lifestyle, medications, and stage in the disease. 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It typically occurs around the fourth or fifth decade of life and has a tendency to affect women more often than men. Living with this condition can have a significant impact on the patient s quality of life. Day to day activities can become a hindrance livingRead More Guillain-Barre Syndrome Essay1651 Words   |  7 PagesGuillain-Barre Syndrome Guillain-Barre Syndrome, or acute inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy, is a self-limiting disease characterized by areflexia and acute progressive motor weakness of at least one limb. Other symptoms include motor weakness of the extremities and face, loss or reduction of deep tendon reflexes, decreased sensation throughout the body,ophthalmoplegia, and ataxia. In severe cases respiratory failure and autonomic dysfunction may occur. Respiratory failure results fromRead MoreThe Immune System : A Complex Network Of Innate And Innate Immune Systems1254 Words   |  6 PagesThe immune system is a complex network of innate and adaptive compartments that work together in order to protect and fight against pathogenic invaders. The immune system also acts as a regulator of host homeostasis in order to ensure that the body is operating under optimal conditions. The composition of microbiota is associated with the adaptive and innate immune systems, which work together in order to mainta in a constant relationship between the increasingly different microbiota and pathogensRead MoreCushings Syndrome Essay816 Words   |  4 PagesCushing’s Syndrome Cushing’s Syndrome is a condition that results from chronic exposure to excessive amounts of glucocorticoids circulating in the blood stream for an extended period of time. 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Acute pancreatitis is characterized by increased innate immune response, while chronic pancreatitis is characterizedRead More Inflammatory Bowel Disease Essay1452 Words   |  6 PagesThe term Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) is a general name given to a few disorders that all fall under the category of inflamed intestines (they become red and swollen.) This is usually due to a reaction the body causes against its own intestinal tissue. The two most common types of Inflammatory Bowel Disease are Ulcerative Colitis (UC) and Crohn’s Disease (CD). Crohn’s disease can affect any part of the gastrointestinal tract; however, it more commonly affects the small intestine or colon. InflammatoryRead MoreCauses And Consequences Of Sepsis1574 Words   |  7 Pagesresults from an infection. These infections, typically caused by bacteria cause chemicals to be released in to the bloodstream in order to fight the infection. 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Hitory Elective Notes Chapter 6 Free Essays

Tanjong Katong Secondary School Secondary Four History Elective Chapter 6: War in Europe How was Germany responsible for the outbreak of WWII? Hitler’s foreign policy aims:   Hitler wanted to make Germany ____ again by having a _________ and regaining the ____ lost by TOV. †¢ Wanted all German- speaking people to live together in one country called _____________. †¢ Felt that Germany’s growing population needed more room to live and grow food. We will write a custom essay sample on Hitory Elective Notes: Chapter 6 or any similar topic only for you Order Now He called this ___________ (living space). †¢ He could get his lebensraum by __________ lands east of Germany. Hated the _____________ ideology and wanted to conquer the Soviet Union to destroy _____________. †¢ SU had vast lands and Hitler believed that the Germans could use the lands for _________. Steps taken by Hitler: †¢ 1933: Hitler pulled Germany out of the ________________ organised by the League of Nations, announcing that she will disarm only if other nations did so as well. †¢ 1933: Pulled Germany out of ____________________. †¢ 1934: Increased the size of his ____ from 100, 000 to 300,000 men. (conscription) †¢ 1935: Increased the size of the army to 550,000 men reintroduced ___________________________ for all male citizens. Re-militarisation of ______________: †¢ TOV stated that no ________________ were to be in Rhineland after Allied troops had withdrawn. †¢ 1936: Ordered troops into ______________________________. †¢ Britain and France took no action against Germany. †¢ British claim: Germany was only ‘marching into its own backyard’. †¢ France unwilling to take action without Britain’s support. Anschluss with _______ †¢ TOV stated that there should be no ____________ (anschluss) between Germany and Austria. †¢ Hitler tried to take control of Austria. †¢ Hitler threatened Austrian Chancellor Schushnigg that he would send in his army. March 1938: German troops marched into Austria, which then became a _________ of Germany. How was the League of Nations responsible for the outbreak of WWII? Weaknesses of LON: †¢ An exclusive club for __________ of WWI. †¢ Germany was not treated well. †¢ By not treating all its members with _______________, it failed to win the _________ from members. †¢ Richest and most powerful member of the world – ______- not in the League = weak. †¢ Britain and France were the unofficial leaders of LON but only took action when it served their own ________. Poor leadership - members ______________ for the League. Members of the League were supposed to ________ each other through the use of __________________, but this was never applied. †¢ When League did not punish Japan when it attacked Manchuria, Italy and Germany went ahead with their attacks ________ that the League could not stop them. †¢ Did not have an ____ of its own, thus not in a position to _______ a country from ________. Failure to curb Italian aggression in ___________, 1936: †¢ Action: Benito _________ (Fascist leader of Italy) wanted to increase Italian influence in Abyssinia (today’s Ethiopia) and made plans to ______ it. Response: LON only implemented a _________ economic embargo against Italy. But this too was not fully implemented due to fear that any embargo would affect members’ own economies. †¢ LON was not _____ enough to protect countries from attacks by its members. Failure to encourage ___________  : †¢ France: Did not feel ____ from Germany and refused to disarm. †¢ Hitler: If other countries did not disarm, then Germany had the right to build up its armed forces and did so at a ____ pace. †¢ Other European countries: Began to rearm _______ Germany. Failure to preserve ______ of the League: †¢ Britain: Fear that Germany would have a navy ______ than hers. In 1935, signed the ______________________ which allowed Germany to increase the size of its navy to 35% of the British navy, including submarines, which were banned in TOV. †¢ Britain, the unofficial leader of the LON, broke the military terms of the TOV and placed her own interests first. †¢ Other members followed Britain’s example, instead of acting together to _________ the ___ of a ________ strong Germany. Failure to preserve _______________  : Due to ________________, many countries priced their goods more _______ than foreign goods, in an attempt to sell more of their goods overseas. †¢ They also tried to _______ foreign goods from being sold in other countries by raising ______ on the foreign goods. †¢ 1933: LON held international conference to stop countries from increasing tariffs, but none of the countries wanted to _________. †¢ Each country believed that it had to protect its own interest first – ______ war between countries. How were Britain and France responsible for the outbreak of WWII? Appeasement: __________ war at all costs by _________ to whatever the enemy country asks for. Reasons for appeasement: †¢ WWI, with its great __________ made war an __________ choice. †¢ Economies _______________ by WWI and GD. Needed to _________ economies and could not _____ to fight another war. †¢ Br and Fr needed more ____ to _________ their army. †¢ Many British and French ______ were fighting for their independence. Br and France could not afford to quell these rebellions and fight a major war in Europe at the same time. †¢ Felt that they could not win a war against Germany without the help of USA. USA was following a strict policy of ________ and would not get involved in any war in Europe. †¢ Felt that _________ was a bigger threat than _______. A strong Germany would prevent the spread of Communism from Soviet Russia to other parts of Europe. Example of appeasement: ______________ Crisis, 1938 †¢ Hitler wanted to take over Sudentenland (part of ______________) after Austria. †¢ Despised the Czech people as they were _____ – an ‘_______________’. †¢ Prosperous country ____ in resources. †¢ Over 3 million _________ living in Sudentenland – wanted to make it part of his Greater Germany. Sudetenland important for Czechoslovakia because of its _________ and heavy __________ located there. †¢ Encouraged members of the Sudetenland _____________ to make as much trouble for the Czech government so that it would give up Sudetenland. †¢ Czechoslovakia looked to Britain and France to stop Hitler, since Sudetenland was not a German land which had been taken away by TOV. It had never ___________ to Germany. †¢ Britain and France feared that Europe will be _______ into a war if the crisis was not solved. †¢ Br PM Neville _____________ went to Germany three times in Sept 1938 in and effort to prevent war. 3rd meeting in _______ – Representatives from Br, Fr, Italy, Germany attended, but not ______ or ______. †¢ Munich Agreement: Germany would not be stopped from taking Sudetenland. In exchange, Hitler promised not to take any more land in Europe. †¢ Chamberlain happy that war had been __________. Impact of appeasement: †¢ Policy of appeasement had merely _____________ greater ___________ from Germany, since Hitler was _________ that Britain and France would give in to all his demands/actions, as they did not want to get involved in a bigger war. End of appeasement: March 1939: Hitler invaded ______________. †¢ Invasion convinced Br and Fr that Hitler could no longer be _______ and ended their policy of appeasement. How was Soviet Union responsible for the outbreak of WWII? Stalin’s concerns: †¢ Worried about the rise of Hitler, who openly stated that he ______ Communism. †¢ ________ was Hitler’s next target and it was _________ on USSR’s western front. †¢ 1934: Stalin joined _______________ to gain _____________ for USSR from Germany. †¢ However, he was concerned that the LON will not protect USSR since it took no ______ against Germany when it broke terms of TOV. Believed that Br and Fr wanted to see Communism _____________ too. Nazi-Soviet Pact, 1939: †¢ Pact of _________ between Germany and USSR. †¢ Hitler’s reason: wanted Poland but worried about fighting a war on two ______ – Br and Fr on western border and USSR on eastern border. †¢ Stalin’s reason: To avoid war with Germany. †¢ Terms: USSR would remain _______ if Germany attacked Poland. In exchange, they would ________ Poland between them. †¢ Reaction: Came as a ______ to the world as Hitler hated Communism and USSR. Significance: Gave Hitler _________ to invade Poland, as he would not have to face a two-front war. †¢ On 1 Sept 1939, he ________ Poland, confident that his army would be able to handle a war with Br and Fr, if they responded at all. †¢ The following day, Br and Fr _________ a _________ from Poland or face a war. †¢ Hitler _________. Br and Fr _______________ on Germany. Questions to ponder: Who/what was responsible for the outbreak of WWII and to what extent? What were the long term causes of the war? What were the short term causes of the war? What were the factors which triggered the war? How to cite Hitory Elective Notes: Chapter 6, Papers

Oedipus Rex Essay Example For Students

Oedipus Rex Essay In Sophocless play Oedipus Rex Oedipus Even though fate seems to determine Oedipus life, . he does infact have a free will. His choices brought the prophecy to life. Only his decisions (not influenced by anybody) he made. Of course those decisions were in side of the limits set by fate. When Oedipus heard a prophesy that his going to kill his father and sleep with his mother he ran away, even when he new there were suspicions of him being the real son of his parents. There some lines from the play: There was a man dining with us one day who had too much wine and man shouted at me-half drunk and shouting that I was not rightly called my fathers son. Without my parents knowledge, I went to Delphi, but Apollo did not say what I had gone to hear. Instead, he answered questions I had not asked and told of horror and misery beyond believe how I would know my mothers bad and cause the death of my own father. The prophecy drove the Oedipus away from home; the terror of the predictions was t oo much to live with. Oedipus tried everything not to meet the prophecy, and still when he came to Thebes and became a king Oedipus married an older lady. It was his choice, even when he knew there was a danger of him to know mothers bad, he made it. Oedipus quest for truth was his choice. When the Teiresias tried not to reveal the truth, The Oedipus was the one, who made the priest to talk: This city gave you life and yet you refuse to answer! You speak as if you were her enemy. For Gods sake, if you know, dont turn away from us! We are pleading. We are begging you. You will not tell? You monster! You could stir the stones of earth to a burning rage! You will newer tell? What it will take? As the truth is getting revealed: You, Oedipus, are the desecrator, the polluter of this land. Oedipus does not believe (his choice). He (Oedipus) start to accuse Creon of truing to take his powers away (king). And still want to reveal whole truth. After talking to Jocasta Oedipus faces that he i n fact might killed the king Laius. There was s herald leading a carriage drawn by horses and the man riding in the carriage The driver pushed. In anger, I struck him. The old man saw it, reached for his lash and waited till I had passed. Then he struck me on the head. But he paid-oh yes he paid. I killed him. And again that was a choice, he (Oedipus) knew that he will kill his own father, even when he killed an old man he didnt thought of possibility, that the old man might be his father. Oedipus fate was determined before he was even born, and by trying t o overcome it, he actually perfectly filing in his position in life which is a prophesy. Oedipus thought that he oversmarted the Gods, but in fact every his move he made moved him closer to prophesy becoming a reality. Oedipus Essay (Fate) Sophocles Oedipus the King is a tragic play which discusses the tragic discovery of Oedipus that he has killed his father and married his mother. The story of Oedipus was well known to the athe nians. Oedipus is the embodiement of the perfect Athenian. He is self-confident, intelligent, and strong willed. Ironically these are the very traits which bring about his tragic discovery. Oedipus gained the rule of Thebes by answering the riddle of Sphinx. Sophocles used the riddle of the sphinx as a metaphor for the 3 phases of Oedipus life and to futher characterized him as a tragic man. The Sphinx posed the following riddle to all who came to obtain the rule of thebes: What is it that walks on 4 feet and 2 feet and 3 feet and has only one voice, when it walks on most feet it is the weakest? Oedipus correctly answered Man and became the king of Thebes. This riddle is a metaphor for the life of Oedipus. As a child man crawls on his hands and knees this is the four feet to which the Sphinx refers. Also man is at his weakest as a small child. He depends solely on others for his nourishment and well being. Oedipus was the child of Jocasta and King Laius who was taken to the mountain by a shepard to be killed so the omen of the god apollo that Laius son would kill him and lay with Jocasta would not come true. Oedipus was the weakest of his life at this point. If it has not been for the shepard spairing his life and giving him to Polybus to raise as his own Oedipus would have died. Man walks on 2 feet when he has matured. This is a metaphor for Oedipus when he reaches adulthood and leaves Corinth to escape the oracle. Oedipus meets up with a band of travelers and in a rage kills them. Inadvertently Oedipus has killed his own father. Oedipus then answers the riddle of the sphinx and becomes king of Thebes. By becoming king of Thebes he marries Jocasta the Queen of thebes and his own mother. Many years later after bearing children with Jocasta a plague kills many of the inhabitants of Thebes. Oedipus is told by the gods to find the killer of Laius. He is very dilligent in the inquiriy and finally comes to the horrible truth that he himself is the murderer. Jocasta kills herself at the horrible realization that she has layed with her son and Oedipus puts out his eyes at finally seeing the truth. This fulfills the final part of the Sphinxs riddle for Oedipus will have to walk with a cane for the rest of his life because of his blindness, this will give him the 3 feet which man walks with at the end of his years. Oedipus used his intellect and diligence to answer the riddle of the Sphinx. Many of the most intelligent young men of thebes has been killed attempting to answer the riddle but Oedipus proved his intelligence superior to theirs. Oedipus uses the same intelligence and perseverence to find the killer of Laius. He does not give up his search even when Jocasta warns him to stop and let the matter rest. He calls the shepard and interrogates him till he discovers the horrifying truth that he is the killer. Oedipus intelligence was ultimately his flaw. Also, if Oedipus had not had been as coarageous he would have have never ventured to answe r the riddle of the Sphinx. Thus even though he had killed his father he would have never become king of Thebes and laid with his mother. In addition, if Oedipus had had the courage but not the intelligence the Spinx would have killed him for answering the riddle incorrectly. Sophocles used this to characterized Oedipus as a tragic man for he came about his tragic discovery not because of an evil act or an evil trait but because of the person he was. Oedipus traits which gave him riches and power ultimately led to his tragic ending. Also, the god apollo did not predestine that Oedipus would kill his father and marry his mother by the oracle, he only stated what he knew was inevitable because of who Oedipus was. The sphinxs riddle was used by Sophocles to characterize Oedipus as a tragic man and as a parallel to his life. The riddle describes the 3 stages which Oedipus went through in his life. Also in answering the riddle Oedipus inevitable brought about his own tragic ending by a h orrible discovery. . Oedipus does not unselfishly seek out the truth even though he knows it will be painful for him, rather, he has no idea what the outcome of his search will be, denies the truth at every turn, and threatens those who speak it. Many people may paint Oedipus as a great man, pointing out that he pursues the truth at whatever personal cost and has the strength to accept and endure it when found. They admire that Oedipus was willing to bring himself down in his lust to find his true identity. However, the driving force of Oedipus fact-finding mission is an attempt to end the disease that plagues his city. He doesnt realize the personal consequences his hunt will have for him, and his loyalty to the truth is based on his ignorance of it. In fact, if we examine his quest for identity, it becomes apparent that the sequence of events are quite coincidental. First, he summons Tiresias to name the killer, who Oedipus does not at the time believe to be himself. Secon! The tr agic hero Oedipus emerges as anything but a social person. He may begin that way, motivated by a genuine desire to help the people, but what emerges throughout is different. It becomes plain to see that Oedipus is actually, deep down where it really counts, far more concerned with his own sense of self and demands for justice on his terms, than in compromising his desires like any other true leader would. This tragedy reminds us that even the bravest, those known throughout the world for their knowledge, are doomed if they set themselves up against the mystery of life itself, and if they try to force life to answer them, they are going to self-destruct. Oedipus Rex Bliss in Ignorance Oedipus Rex Bliss in Ignorance One of the most memorable and meaningful Socratic quotes applies well when in context of Sophocles Theban Trilogy. The unexamined life is not worth living, proclaims Socrates. He could have meant many things by this statement, and in relation to the play, the meaning is found to be even more complex. Indeed, the situation of Oedipus, king of Thebes, the truth of this statement is in question. Would Oedipus have been better off if he was blind to the knowledge of his birthing and the fate which was foretold to someday befall him? Truly though, his life would have been a far better and easier path had he never known about his true origins. His life in Corinth would have been long and prosperous, and Thebes would have lived on under King Laius. In fact, everyone would have been better off in the long run if Oedipus had not ventured out beyond the walls of Corinth. So is it worth living an examined life? Socrates had made this statement long after the creation of the Theban Trilogy. In the context of his own time, this was meant to imply that life must be examined and reflected upon, known and discovered by each individual philosopher to better enrich life for all. Yet in terms of Sophoclean drama, specifically Oedipus Rex, this was meant in a vastly d ifferent way. The unexamined life was one that was in the dark, unknown as to what fate lied beyond every turn and irony of living. Oedipus, up to the point in which he heard the comment in the tavern in Corinth, lived an unexamined life. To Socrates, he was an unfulfilled man, one who deserved to know more, one who not complete. However, in a much less metaphysical sense, Oedipus life was complete, in that he had all that he needed, and was living a happy and fruitful life. As the drama progresses, he finds out more and more, learning exactly what the implications of his birth was, he suffers the fate for examining his life. So what Socrates had meant, that the life which was not rich with self exploration and reflection was not worth living, was indeed different than its application in terms of Oedipus, whos life was unexamined, yet complete. The question arises, what would life have been like, if Oedipus had not discovered his true origins? If he had stayed in Corinth, would this have ever happened? We find that indeed, we would have had no story, if not for that lone comment of a drunkard which sparked the fire of rebellion in the young prince Oedipus. He ventured out to Delphi, to pry knowledge of his background out of it, and to discover if this was indeed the truth, despite the fact that his adopted parents of Corinth had assured him of it falseness. Oedipus leaves Corinth, fulfilling the Socratic idea of the unexamined life. However, we must evaluate the eventual consequences of his actions and the implications which they possess. What becomes of his fateful journey out of Corinth leads to the downfall of an entire city and family line. If he had not murdered King Laius, the Sphinx would have never descended upon Thebes, he would have never fulfilled the prophecy, and all would have lived on in a relative peace and tranquillity. Once examining these aspects of the relationship between the quote and Oedipus Rex, we can come to a final examination of its implications. The question which was addressed, that of the value of the examined life, can be answered. Indeed, if Oedipus had not ventured beyond the protective walls of his adopted home, would anything such as what occurred in the play ever have transpired? If Oedipus had not pursued that answers to the mysteries that plagued him, despite the pleading warnings of Icasta, in fact his life would have been contented and happy. Instead, he follows the Socratic method of exploration and discovery, and proceeds down the path of pain and distraught. Was, after it was over, all worth it? We find that no, it was not. Being content and suited with what he knew of himself would have saved Oedipus and his children/siblings much agony. However, in the typical Greek tragedy, we must see his fall from grace through, which is indeed what happens. In the bliss of ignorance, much pain and difficulty is averted. For what worries does the ignorant man have? In the case of Oedipus, ignorance would h ave suited him fine. The Socratic quote the unexamined life is not worth living certainly doesnt hold true in the case of Oedipus Rex. While it may hold importance and a substantial meaning for our own lives, in the case of Oedipus Rex, he would have been better off without it. Indeed, for while the unexamined life is poor in a metaphysical sense, Oedipus would have truly been fine without it. For the unexamined life is a simple one, and he would have lived a long and happy life, never discovering the true nature of his birth, nor even caring. Oedipus Rex Sophocles Oedipus the King is a tragic play which discusses the tragic discovery of Oedipus that he has killed his father and married his mother. The story of Oedipus was well known to the athenians. Oedipus is the embodiement of the perfect Athenian. He is self-confident, intelligent, and strong willed. Ironically these are the very traits which bring about his tragic discovery. Oedipus gained the rule of Thebes by answering the r iddle of Sphinx. Sophocles used the riddle of the sphinx as a metaphor for the 3 phases of Oedipus life and to futher characterized him as a tragic man. The Sphinx posed the following riddle to all who came to obtain the rule of thebes: What is it that walks on 4 feet and 2 feet and 3 feet and has only one voice, when it walks on most feet it is the weakest? Oedipus correctly answered Man and became the king of Thebes. This riddle is a metaphor for the life of Oedipus. As a child man crawls on his hands and knees this is the four feet to which the Sphinx refers. Also man is at his weakest as a small child. He depends solely on others for his nourishment and well being. Oedipus was the child of Jocasta and King Laius who was taken to the mountain by a shepard to be killed so the omen of the god apollo that Laius son would kill him and lay with Jocasta would not come true. Oedipus was the weakest of his life at this point. If it has not been for the shepard spairing his life and givin g him to Polybus to raise as his own Oedipus would have died. Man walks on 2 feet when he has matured. This is a metaphor for Oedipus when he reaches adulthood and leaves Corinth to escape the oracle. Oedipus meets up with a band of travelers and in a rage kills them. Inadvertently Oedipus has killed his own father. Oedipus then answers the riddle of the sphinx and becomes king of Thebes. By becoming king of Thebes he marries Jocasta the Queen of thebes and his own mother. Many years later after bearing children with Jocasta a plague kills many of the inhabitants of Thebes. Oedipus is told by the gods to find the killer of Laius. He is very dilligent in the inquiriy and finally comes to the horrible truth that he himself is the murderer. Jocasta kills herself at the horrible realization that she has layed with her son and Oedipus puts out his eyes at finally seeing the truth. This fulfills the final part of the Sphinxs riddle for Oedipus will have to walk with a cane for the rest of his life because of his blindness, this will give him the 3 feet which man walks with at the end of his years. Oedipus used his intellect and diligence to answer the riddle of the Sphinx. Many of the most intelligent young men of thebes has been killed attempting to answer the riddle but Oedipus proved his intelligence superior to theirs. Oedipus uses the same intelligence and perseverence to find the killer of Laius. He does not give up his search even when Jocasta warns him to stop and let the matter rest. He calls the shepard and interrogates him till he discovers the horrifying truth that he is the killer. Oedipus intelligence was ultimately his flaw. Also, if Oedipus had not had been as coarageous he would have have never ventured to answer the riddle of the Sphinx. Thus even though he had killed his father he would have never become king of Thebes and laid with his mother. In addition, if Oedipus had had the courage but not the intelligence the Spinx would have killed him for answering the riddle incorrectly. Sophocles used this to characterized Oedipus as a tragic man for he came about his tragic discovery not because of an evil act or an evil trait but because of the person he was. Oedipus traits which gave him riches and power ultimately led to his tragic ending. Also, the god apollo did not predestine that Oedipus would kill his father and marry his mother by the oracle, he only stated what he knew was inevitable because of who Oedipus was. The sphinxs riddle was used by Sophocles to characterize Oedipus as a tragic man and as a parallel to his life. The riddle describes the 3 stages which Oedipus went through in his life. Also in answering the riddle Oedipus inevitable brought about his own tragic ending by a horrible discovery. Memory Essay Summary Although a good tragedy consists of the main character falling to his demise by his own hand, Sophocles is cruel in the way that he portrays Oedipus life. When first reading the play, Oedipus is hailed as the hero for solving the Sphinxs riddle and he is crowned the new king of Thebes. Oedipus seems to have the perfect life complete with a doting wife, who we later find out to be his mother, and a city that respects him. This bravery and heroism of Oedipus is soon overshadowed by his need to solve the new riddle of Laius death. Oedipus becomes paranoid and pushes for more information that eventually leads to him realizing that he in fact killed Laius and that Jocasta, his wife, is also his mother. Sophocles allows Oedipus to fall into a depression that not only leads to the suicide of Jocasta but the exiling of his two daughters because of their affiliation with him. I believe that only a hero of the tragedy should be lead to their downfall and not the rest of their family. It is the n no longer about the heros realizations ruining not only their own life but also their families. At the end of the play, the reader sees that Oedipus is humbled and has gone through a lot of pain while he apologizes to his family members. After Oedipus blinds himself for not being able to see the truth, I felt even more compassion for this character and I wondered how Sophocles could be so cruel to this character. But, I realize that every great tragedy has a hero that falls by his own hand and a surprise that will shock all readers by the end. These are most likely the reasons why Oedipus Rex was Sophocles most famous tragedy.