Social status does not exempt one from the punishment of human imperfections. “All actions come to justice.” (1164) Oedipus’ royal position cannot free him from his sin. Although Oedipius is ignorant of his flaws, his ignorance does not justify his crimes. In Sophocle’s Oedipus Rex, Oedipus displays many tragic flaws. Oedipus’ flaws of pride, anger, and poor judgment clearly cause his eventual downfall.

Oedipus’ speech to Tiresias is saturated with hubris. After Oedipus accuses Tiresias of planning to kill King Laius, Tiresias finally reveals the truth to Oedipus. However, Oedipus’ pride gets in the way of his common sense, and he then repudiates Tiresias, “You dare say that! Can you possibly think you have some way of going free, after such insolence?”(340) Oedipus’ pride causes him to believe Creon is trying to take over the throne.

In addition, Oedipus’ short temper plays a role in his downfall. He exhibits anger in conversation with Creon and Tiresias. Oedipus accuses Creon out of pure wrath without evidence. “So you dare come back. Why? How brazen of you to come to my house you murderer!”(505-506) Oedipus accuses Creon of treason and murder, even though Creon has been faithful to Oedipus for a long time. Oedipus is quick to anger in his confrontations with others.

Oedipus also makes many poor judgments in his life. He commits murder, marries his mother, and falsely accuses others of high crimes such as treason. Although he is unaware he murdered his father, the fact remained that he has murdered. Another lack in judgment made by Oedipus occurs when he marries his mother and bears children with her. Again, ignorance does not justify his iniquity, “Let every man in mankind’s frailty consider his last day; and let none presume on his good fortune until he find life, at his death, a memory without pain.”(1472-1475) Oedipus soon realizes his poor judgments are the cause of his destruction.

Oedipus’ tragic flaws of pride, rage, and horrific judgment bring about his disastrous end. The downfall of Oedipus is clear when Creon explains to Oedipus that he brings about his own end. Oedipus is crushed to find he is actually the cause of his people’s suffering. He finds no happiness, only misery, at the end of his life, and he has no choice but to banish himself from his kingdom. Not even a king is absolved from his own fallibilities. Social status does not free one from the penalties of sin.