For more than 200 years, Sophocles's tragedy Oedipus the King, has introduced readers to the consequences of an uncontrollable temper. In the play, Oedipus's temper results in his downfall. Although he may not be completely responsible, Oedipus is most responsible for his downfall because individuals who are unable to control their remper lead to self-destructive lives. In this play this is most evident when Oedipus let his anger get the best of him and he kills king Laius. Also when he stabs his eyes out, also when Oedipus does not pay attention to prophet, Tiresias, and all the warnings he has given Oedipus.
Oedipus appears to be the savior of the city of THebes. He promises them to track down and curse the murderer of Laius. Oedipus call down a curse on the murderer, which unknowingly, is himself. " That man, whoever he may be, I banish from this land where I sit on the throne and hold the power; no one shall take him in or speak to him" (15) He did not have any sense or reasoning when he called down this curse. THis is the beginning of his downfall. He literally cursed himself. He is so clueless with this whole situtation. His anger led him to curse the man that killed the king. "And further, I pronounce a curse on myself if the murderes should with my knowledge share my house; in that case may I be subject to all the curses I have just called down on these people here" (15) The curse he just put on that man, the murderer, is ironically himself. This leads to his downfall because he curses himself and all his glory will soon fall.