The Tragic Fear — Oedipus King

Abstract

The hills and high ways, the bays and valleys, and in between them, clinging to slopes and hiding in curves, sparse settlements of citystates. Such are the seen aspects of the small, tight world in which Oedipus dwells. A world very tight and narrow for the pressures of Fear which fills and overflows it, a world inhospitable in concealment for a man who tries to flee. Is Oedipus a coward? Does he not show that impetuous, arrogant bravery which may seem the cause of his downfall? Yes, and many times. But his prideful drive, facing up to enemies and obstacles in his way, is no more than a shell, a shield covering what all the while moves him and shapes his character: the choice of fearful flight with no expected refuge, the choice to sever himself off from the inseparable, to run away from that which in running is still carried along — his self to be, his own future.