Question

People of Thebes, my countrymen, look on Oedipus. He solved the famous riddle with his
brilliance, he rose to power, a man beyond all power. Who could behold his greatness without
envy? Now what a black sea of terror has overwhelmed him. Now as we keep our watch and
wait the final day, count no man happy till he dies, free of pain at last.

(from Oedipus the King by Sophocles)




Which characteristic of a tragic hero does this passage highlight in the character of Oedipus?



increase in self-awareness



reversal of fortune