Final answer:
Oedipus' downfall is the result of his arrogance, marking his tragic flaw or hamartia. Despite being a Greek hero of high social status, his refusal to avoid the truth leads to his ruinous fate, though his acceptance of responsibility and his ethical choices elevate his noble character, fostering catharsis.
Step-by-step explanation:
One of Oedipus' central personality traits leading to his downfall is his arrogance. Oedipus, the Greek Hero and protagonist in Sophocles’ play, is characterized by a compelling blend of intelligence, determination, and good intentions, but it is his hubris, or excessive pride, that ultimately triggers his tragic end. A fervent believer in his own abilities, Oedipus tries to outsmart the gods and defy fate, which he is unable to do. This hubris is a classic example of hamartia, an element Aristotle identified as the tragic flaw responsible for the downfall of a hero.
Despite his high social status and many virtuous qualities, it is Oedipus’ inability to see the truth of his origin—and his stubborn insistence on uncovering it—that leads him to commit patricide and incest, fulfilling the prophecy he sought to avoid. His ethical commitment to seeking the truth about king Laius’ murder forces him to confront the most uncomfortable truth about himself. Sophocles uses this to impart an educational lesson to the audience, presenting a powerful narrative on the human condition and the inevitability of fate through the hero's journey.
Ultimately, Oedipus’ recognition of his faults and his acceptance of responsibility for his actions, refusing to blame the gods or fate, represent an invaluable ethical choice. By blinding himself, Oedipus literally enacts the metaphor of his own blindness to the truth, cementing his status as a heroic yet tragic character whose story is meant to evoke a cathartic response from the audience. Even in disgrace, Oedipus stands as a figure of nobility because he acknowledges his faults and willingly accepts the consequences of his actions.