Oedipus vs. Achilles: A True Hero and a Wannabe Hero

Abstract

This paper contrasts Oedipus, from Sophocles’s Oedipus the King, with Achilles, from Homer’s Iliad, and claims that Oedipus is more of a hero than Achilles based on his actions throughout the story. The term hero is defined as someone who admits that they are wrong and makes unselfish decisions, even when it is tough. Throughout Oedipus the King, Oedipus makes unselfish decisions. When he realizes he has made a mistake, he confesses his sin and takes the responsibility. However, Achilles spends most of the story thinking only of himself. He takes responsibility for his actions only after his mother comes and talks to him. Because of his actions, Oedipus is more of a hero than Achilles, even though Achilles is usually one of the first literary characters whom people think of when they hear the word hero.