What is Oedipus Rexs tragic flaw?
His tragic flaw is “hubris” – pride that is so large it is dismissive of the gods. You can see the “hubris” in how he thinks he can solve the problems of Thebes all by himself. On a more subtle level: sleeping with mom and killing dad – incest and parricide are only prevented by laws of the gods. To see how Oedipus’ hubris comprises his very being, you have to explore the theme of “seeing:” he puts his eyes out at the end for a reason, and thus joins the prophet in blindness purposefully.
