oedipus fate essay

• The Oedipus Trilogy
• Literature Notes
• The Power of Fate in the Oedipus Trilogy
• Play Summary
• Oedipus the King
• Oedipus at Colonus
• About the Oedipus Trilogy
• Character List
• Summary and Analysis: Oedipus the King
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• Summary and Analysis: Oedipus at Colonus
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• Character Analysis
• Sophocles Biography
• Critical Essays
• Ritual and Transcendence in the Oedipus Trilogy
• Full Glossary for The Oedipus Trilogy
• Essay Questions
• Practice Projects
• Cite this Literature Note

Critical Essays The Power of Fate in the Oedipus Trilogy

Are people truly responsible for their actions? This question has puzzled humanity throughout history. Over the centuries, people have pondered the influence of divine or diabolical power, environment, genetics, even entertainment, as determining how free any individual is in making moral choices.

The ancient Greeks acknowledged the role of Fate as a reality outside the individual that shaped and determined human life. In modern times, the concept of Fate has developed the misty halo of romantic destiny, but for the ancient Greeks, Fate represented a terrifying, unstoppable force.

Fate was the will of the gods — an unopposable reality ritually revealed by the oracle at Delphi, who spoke for Apollo himself in mysterious pronouncements. The promise of prophecy drew many, but these messages usually offered the questioner incomplete, maddenly evasive answers that both illuminated and darkened life's path. One famous revelation at Delphi offered a general the tantalizing prophesy that a great victory would be won if he advanced on his enemy. The oracle, however, did not specify to whom the victory would go.

By the fifth century, B.C., Athenians frankly questioned the power of the oracle to convey the will of the gods. Philosophers such as Socrates opened rational debate on the nature of moral choices and the role of the gods in human affairs. Slowly, the belief in a human being's ability to reason and to choose gained greater acceptance in a culture long devoted to the rituals of augury and prophecy. Socrates helped to create the Golden Age with his philosophical questioning, but Athens still insisted on the proprieties of tradition surrounding the gods and Fate, and the city condemned the philosopher to death for impiety.

Judging from his plays, Sophocles took a conservative view on augury and prophecy; the oracles in the Oedipus Trilogy speak truly — although obliquely — as an unassailable authority. Indeed, this voice of the gods — the expression of their divine will — represents a powerful, unseen force throughout the Oedipus Trilogy.

Yet this power of Fate raises a question about the drama itself. If everything is determined beforehand, and no human effort can change the course of life, then what point is there in watching — or writing — a tragedy?

According to Aristotle, theater offers its audience the experience of pity and terror produced by the story of the hero brought low by a power greater than himself. In consequence, this catharsis — a purging of high emotion — brings the spectator closer to a sympathetic understanding of life in all its complexity. As the chorus at the conclusion of Antigone attests, the blows of Fate can gain us wisdom.

In Greek tragedy, the concept of character — the portrayal of those assailed by the blows of Fate — differs specifically from modern expectations. Audiences today expect character exploration and development as an essential part of a play or a film. But Aristotle declared that there could be tragedy without character — although not without action.

The masks worn by actors in Greek drama give evidence of this distinction. In Oedipus the King , the actor playing Oedipus wore a mask showing him simply as a king, while in Oedipus at Colonus , Oedipus appears in the mask of an old man. As Sophocles saw him — and as actors portrayed him — Oedipus displayed no personality or individuality beyond his role in the legend. The point of the drama, then, was not to uncover Oedipus' personal motivations but to describe the arc of his fall, so as to witness the power of Fate.

In his plays, Shakespeare also created tragedy that revolved around a heroic character who falls from greatness. But Shakespeare's heroes appear fully characterized and their tragedies develop as much from their own conscious intentions as from Fate. Macbeth, for example, pursues his goal of the throne ruthlessly, with murderous ambition. When the witches' prophecies, upon which he has based his hopes, turn out to be just as misleading as any oracle's pronouncement at Delphi, the audience is more likely to blame Macbeth for his heartless ambition than to bemoan his fate with him.

In contrast, Sophocles' hero — even with his tragic flaw (as Aristotle terms it) — maintains the audience's sympathy throughout the drama. The flaw of his character represents less a vicious fault and more a vulnerability, or a blind spot. Oedipus' brilliance, then, is matched by his overconfidence and rashness — a habit of mind that makes him prey to the very fate he wishes to avoid.

Significantly, Oedipus' desperate attempt to escape Fate arises not from ambition or pride, but from an understandable and pious desire to live without committing heinous offenses. Prudently, he decides never to return to the kingdom where the people he believes to be his parents rule. But when an overbearing man on the road nearly runs him down and then cuffs him savagely, Oedipus rashly kills his attacker, who turns out be his father. So, just as he thinks himself free of his fate, Oedipus runs right into it — literally, at a crossroads.

In Oedipus the King , Oedipus displays his characteristic brilliance and overconfidence in what he regards as his heroic search for the murderer of Laius. He pursues the mystery relentlessly, confident that its solution will yield him the same glory he enjoyed when he answered the riddle of the Sphinx. Oedipus' self-assurance that he has taken care of his fate blinds him to it and begins the fall that will end in his literal blindness. Thus he becomes the victim — rather than the conquerer — of Fate.

In Antigone , Creon also displays a blind spot. Wrapped up in the trappings of power, Creon puts his responsibility for Thebes above the laws of the gods and has to be reminded of the gods' will by Tiresias. Creon's last-minute attempt to conform to the gods' wishes only reveals to him his own inescapable fate — the destruction of his family and the end of his rule.

Antigone herself is painfully aware of the power of Fate, attributing all the tragedy in her family to the will of Zeus. When she acts decisively, choosing to obey the laws of the gods rather than the laws of the state, she seems almost like a modern heroine — a model of individual courage and responsibility. Yet, before her death, Antigone shrinks in horror, acknowledging that she has acted only within the rigid constraints of Fate; indeed, in that moment, her earnestness and conviction fade as she feels the approach of her own doom. Antigone, like the rest of her family, must yield to Fate — the curse that hangs over the house of Oedipus.

Oedipus at Colonus features prolonged debate and protestations over Fate, before granting a unique blessing to the suffering hero. By the time of the story, a sullen Oedipus has grown used to his role as the pariah, the greatest sinner in the world. Still, he argues to the chorus that he did not consciously or willfully commit any crimes. At this point — the end of his life — Oedipus concedes the power of Fate as the reason for his destruction; at the same time, he embraces Fate in his death and fights vigorously to meet his end as the gods promised — at peace and as a benefit to the city where he is buried. Ironically, then, the victim of Fate becomes part of the force that has tortured him; his will to reward and to punish becomes as powerful as the will of the gods themselves.

In Oedipus at Colonus — Sophocles' last play — the dramatist seems intent on making a peace between the power of Fate and his willful, all too human hero. The chants of the chorus, as well as the formal, poetic speeches of the characters, suggest that Oedipus' heroic suffering results in a profound transformation into godlike glory. As tragic and terrible as the story of the Oedipus Trilogy is, then, Sophocles grants his audience the hope that the blows of Fate lead not only to wisdom, but to transcendence.

Previous Sophocles Biography

Next Ritual and Transcendence in the Oedipus Trilogy

Oedipus Rex

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The ancient Greeks believed that their gods could see the future, and that certain people could access this information. Prophets or seers, like blind Tiresias , saw visions of things to come. Oracles, priests who resided at the temples of gods—such as the oracle to Apollo at Delphi—were also believed to be able to interpret the gods' visions and give prophecies to people who sought to know the future. During the fifth century B.C.E., however, when Sophocles was writing his plays, intellectuals within Athenian society had begun to question the legitimacy of the oracles and of the traditional gods. Some of this tension is plain to see in Oedipus Rex , which hinges on two prophecies. The first is the prophecy received by King Laius of Thebes that he would have a son by Queen Jocasta who would grow up to kill his own father. The second is the prophecy that Oedipus received that he would kill his father and marry his mother. Laius, Jocasta, and Oedipus all work to prevent the prophecies from coming to pass, but their efforts to thwart the prophecies are what actually bring the prophecies to completion.

This raises a question at the heart of the play: does Oedipus have any choice in the matter? He ends up killing his father and marrying his mother without knowing it—in fact, when he is trying to avoid doing these very things. Does he have free will—the ability to choose his own path—or is everything in life predetermined? Jocasta argues that the oracles are a sham because she thinks the prediction that her son would kill her husband never came to pass. When she finds out otherwise, she kills herself. In Oedipus Rex , Oedipus has fulfilled his terrible prophecy long ago, but without knowing it. He has already fallen into his fate. One could argue that he does have free will, however, in his decision to pursue the facts about his past, despite many suggestions that he let it go. In this argument, Oedipus's destruction comes not from his deeds themselves but from his persistent efforts to learn the truth, through which he reveals the true nature of those terrible deeds. Oedipus himself makes a different argument at the end of the play, when he says that his terrible deeds were fated, but that it was he alone who chose to blind himself. Here, Oedipus is arguing that while it is impossible to avoid one's fate, how you respond to your fate is a matter of free will.

Fate vs. Free Will ThemeTracker

Fate vs. Free Will Quotes in Oedipus Rex

Oedipus Rex: Tragedy, Fate, and Ancient Wisdom

This insightful essay delves into the timeless tragedy of “Oedipus Rex” by Sophocles, exploring its profound narrative and enduring themes. It presents Oedipus’s tragic journey, marked by his efforts to escape a harrowing prophecy, only to fulfill it inadvertently. The essay highlights the play’s exploration of fate versus free will, the quest for truth, and the limits of human knowledge. It discusses the symbolic contrast between sight and blindness, emphasizing how physical vision differs from insight. The piece reflects on the play’s commentary on the human condition, touching on universal experiences of suffering, the pursuit of knowledge, and the journey towards self-awareness. Concluding with the acknowledgment of Sophocles’ literary genius, the essay portrays “Oedipus Rex” as not just a cornerstone of classical literature, but a mirror to the timeless and complex nature of human existence, posing questions about fate, free will, and the essence of human understanding that continue to resonate in the modern world. Additionally, PapersOwl presents more free essays samples linked to Oedipus Rex.

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Dive into the world of ancient Greek drama, and you’ll encounter “Oedipus Rex,” a play that’s not just a story but a journey into the complex interplay of fate, free will, and human nature. Written by Sophocles, one of the three great tragedians of classical Athens, this play is a masterpiece that has stood the test of time, resonating with audiences for centuries.

“Oedipus Rex,” also known as “Oedipus the King,” unravels the tale of Oedipus, the king of Thebes, known for his intelligence and quick problem-solving.

The story hinges on a prophecy that Oedipus would kill his father and marry his mother, a fate he desperately tries to avoid. However, the more Oedipus tries to escape his destiny, the closer he gets to fulfilling it. The tragic irony of Oedipus’s situation lies at the heart of the play’s enduring appeal.

At the start of the play, Thebes is suffering from a plague, and Oedipus vows to save his city. His quest for the truth leads to the realization of the dreadful prophecy’s fulfillment. The journey of Oedipus is a profound exploration of themes like fate versus free will, the nature of truth, and the limits of human knowledge. Sophocles masterfully weaves these themes into the narrative, creating a play that is as thought-provoking as it is tragic.

One of the most striking aspects of “Oedipus Rex” is its exploration of fate and free will. The ancient Greeks believed in the power of fate and the gods’ influence on human lives, but Sophocles introduces the idea that human actions and free will also play a significant role in shaping destiny. Oedipus’s relentless pursuit of the truth, despite numerous warnings to stop, highlights the complexity of human agency and the consequences of our choices.

The play also delves into the theme of sight and blindness. Oedipus, known for his clear-sightedness in solving the riddle of the Sphinx, is ironically blind to the truth of his own situation. This metaphorical blindness versus the literal blindness of the prophet Tiresias creates a dramatic contrast. It underscores the idea that physical sight is not the same as insight or understanding, a concept that resonates deeply in the human experience.

“Oedipus Rex” is not just a tale of personal tragedy but also a reflection of the human condition. It touches on the universal human experience of suffering, the quest for knowledge, and the often painful journey towards self-awareness. The play’s tragic end, where Oedipus blinds himself upon realizing the truth, serves as a powerful reminder of the price of knowledge and the fragility of human existence.

In conclusion, “Oedipus Rex” by Sophocles is a cornerstone of classical literature, a play that transcends time and culture. Its exploration of themes like fate, truth, and human nature continues to captivate and provoke thought among modern audiences. It’s a testament to Sophocles’ genius and the enduring power of Greek tragedy to reflect the complexities and paradoxes of the human experience. As we revisit this ancient masterpiece, we find ourselves confronting the same fundamental questions about fate, free will, and the human condition that have intrigued humanity for millennia.

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The Role of Fate in Oedipus the King

The role of fate in oedipus the king.

In this article, we will learn about the role of fate in Oedipus the King. We will also discuss the definition of fate and general beliefs under the term fate and how Greeks were adhered to fate and their beliefs on fate.

There is no rigid line to blame fate or character responsible for an action or doom of a human being. The people, over centuries, have put forward their opinions but all assumptions are vague.

In Ancient Era, there was a rigid belief that fate is the only divine force which drives men to do a course of action in their life. According to their beliefs, fate influences and shapes human life. In Modern Era, the concept of fate changed in the minds of people and they believe on individuals’ action responsible for making fate. 

What is Fate?

Fate is the will of the God/gods (supreme religious authority according to religion of individuals) which influence and shapes destiny of a human life. According to Greeks, fate of a human is shaped by divine forces that are uncontrollable. If a man performs an action, it is not done by him but fate forced him to do that. But modern people do not believe on fate solely. They believe that individuals are equally responsible for what they do.

Role of Fate in Greek Tragedies

Greek tragedies were based on theocentric vision and mostly they carried religious themes where destiny was controlled by divine powers and it was impossible for a protagonist to escape from fate. In Greek tragedies, fall of character is due to destiny that plays a role in the play. Ancient Greek tragedies were written by Sophocles, Euripides, and Aeschylus and they were modeled upon religious groundings .

Role of Fate in Oedipus the King

Oedipus the King is a tragedy based on fate like all other Greek tragedies where divine powers are unassailable and they control the destiny of a character. Indeed, this voice of the gods delivered by oracles — the expression of their divine force—represents a dominant, invisible force throughout the Oedipus Trilogy. Yet this powerful control of fate brings a question from the drama itself. If every action is determined ahead of time, and no human effort to escape can change the course of life. Critics have different opinions regarding the pre-planned trap where a man was put who has no power to go against pre-planned trap by fate.

The main plot of the Oedipus trilogy was based on fate. The chorus gives it more strength in his odes and songs begging from their gods and glorifying their divine powers that determines destiny of Oedipus. Role of fate is vivid in the play because of the number of prophesies and beliefs of people regarding oracles in the play.

Initially, King Laius tries to avoid fate when he abandoned his child but fate played his role and his attempt failed and Oedipus was given with another life and brought up by King Polybus. Secondly, when Oedipus become to know that he will kill his father and marry his mother he escaped to avoid fate but again here fate played his role and brought him at that point where fate want to make his use. Thirdly, When Sphinx was prevailing in Thebes and Oedipus solved his riddle; the solution of riddle paved his way to his doom by fate. Now he has committed both sin: killing and marriage, for these prophesy was made on bases of his fate. In all above context, Oedipus was helpless and like a puppet in the hands of divine powers. Oedipus and his father both tried to avoid fate, but they became the prey of fate according to Sophocles and entirely Greek tragedy patterns.

Role of Characters in Shaping Fate in Oedipus the King

Like Shakespearean tragedies, where hamartia play a role for downfall of a protagonist; Sophocles play, Oedipus the king also has some instinct of hamartia in the play. Fate is not solely responsible for the tragic ending of the play but Oedipus himself was responsible equally. Modern critics blame Oedipus’ character for his doom. Although his rashness is a flaw in his character that cause the murder of Laius.

When Oedipus was told with a prophesy that he will kill his father, He should keep himself away from killing any man but he killed one. Here it is characters role in his tragedy. His rashness and swift decision making made him a killer. We observed that many times he threatens people including Tiresias, Creon, and shepherd to kill or banish. His hamartia paved his way towards a tragic end. Secondly, when he was told with a prophesy that he will marry to his mother, why he married to a queen of more than his age. Why he did not choose a girl younger than him to marry. Apart than his rashness these two mistakes were also done by his character. So that’s why character is also responsible for the tragedy.  

   Sophocles: Oedipus The King

• Summary of Oedipus the King
• Introduction to characters in Oedipus the King
• Characters analysis of Oedipus: A tragic hero
• Difference between Greek tragedies and Shakespearian tragedy

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Oedipus the King

Table of contents.

Tiresias says to Oedipus, “Creon is not your downfall, no, you are your own.” What is the extent of Oedipus’ guilt in his own downfall?

• “Oedipus the King demonstrates that the quest for truth only leads to self-destruction.” Discuss.
• What does the play have to say about fate and free will?
• “The play is about Oedipus’ search for his identity.” Discuss.
• “What should a man fear? It’s all about chance, / chance rules our lives.” Discuss Jocasta’s philosophy about life.
• Discuss the dual role of the Chorus.
• What do the choral odes have to say about the relationship between humans and the gods?
• What are Oedipus’ feelings about family?
• Evidence Bank

Oedipus the King is a classic Greek tragedy by Sophocles about the downfall of Oedipus, a heroic yet ill-fated character who was prophesied to slay his father and marry his mother. Oedipus finds himself caught in a dilemma between his determination to unwind the tangled threads of his history, or avoid undermining everything he knows about his life. The premise of the ancient play reminds audiences of the cruel nature of fate and the importance of making good decisions. Yet Oedipus himself is a complex character who does his best to exercise free choice within the restraints of his fate, which lends itself to the argument surrounding the extent of his guilt in his eventual downfall. To a large extent, Oedipus is responsible for his horrible actions that drive him to fulfil the prophecy given to him at birth, such as his violent nature which drives him to slay his father, as well as his incessant drive to seek the truth about himself. Yet as the ancient Greeks would have it, despite taking extensive manoeuvres to avoid his terrible future, Oedipus may have been a prisoner of his own fate and thus remain guiltless.

Oedipus the King, a timeless Greek tragedy penned by Sophocles, unfolds the tragic descent of Oedipus, a heroic figure ensnared in the ominous prophecy of patricide and matrimony with his mother/incest. Confronted with the formidable choice between unraveling the intricacies of his lineage and preserving the foundation of his perceived reality, Oedipus grapples with a profound dilemma. The narrative serves as a poignant reminder of the inexorable cruelty of destiny and the consequential significance of judicious decision-making.Oedipus, a character of intricate depth, endeavors to wield volition amidst the constricting threads of his foretold destiny, thereby fueling debates about the degree of culpability in his eventual downfall. While Oedipus bears considerable responsibility for the grievous deeds that propel him toward the fulfillment of his preordained fate—such as his proclivity for violence leading to the slaying of his parents—he also exhibits an unwavering determination to unveil the veracity of his existence.Yet, adhering to the ancient Greek ethos, Oedipus, despite his concerted efforts to circumvent the ominous prophecy, remains ensnared in the inexorable web of fate, prompting contemplation about his potential innocence. In essence, Oedipus, despite his extensive manoeuvres to avert a calamitous destiny, emerges as a captive of his predetermined path, thereby challenging conventional notions of guilt and culpability.

Oedipus’ violent and aggressive nature, as shown by his various impulsive actions, can be said to be a defining factor which led him to the actions of his downfall. Even considering the audience’s knowledge of his horrible fate, there is no question that his nature lends itself to his questionable actions. For example, Oedipus testifies to Jocasta that the man he killed, Laius, was “accompanied by a herald”, thus announcing to the world that he was a king. Yet Oedipus, despite having been raised as royalty himself, does not hold himself back in the slaughter of Laius, the herald, and multiple others. This can be interpreted in several ways: either his impulsivity and pride led him to rashly kill Laius and his followers, thus cementing his guilt in his own fate, or that the threads of fate led him to make that decision in that moment. Either way, there is little doubt that it was simply part of Oedipus’ nature, as there is little other justification for his violent actions. In a similar way, his dogged determination to uncover the truth of his past turns him hostile and abusive, revealing his hubris; when Tiresias does tell him the truth about what he seeks, he does not listen as he is consumed by paranoia. His aberrant character flaws are thus determinant of his guilt in his own downfall.

Oedipus’ propensity for violence and aggression, manifested through impulsive actions, emerges as a pivotal factor contributing to his eventual downfall. Despite the audience’s awareness of his inexorable fate, there is an unequivocal acknowledgment that his inherent nature propels him towards morally ambiguous deeds. Notably, Oedipus, while recounting to Jocasta the slaying of Laius, explicitly highlights the regal stature of his victim, accompanied by a herald. Paradoxically, even though Oedipus himself was nurtured in royal surroundings, he fails to restrain his carnage, perpetrating the ruthless murder of Laius, the herald, and others. This dichotomy invites interpretations that either his impetuosity and pride precipitated the hasty annihilation, cementing his culpability in his tragic destiny, or that the inexorable threads of fate coerced him into that fateful decision.Moreover, Oedipus’ unwavering commitment to unraveling the truth of his origins transforms him into a hostile and abusive figure, laying bare the depths of his hubris. When Tiresias imparts the veracious revelation he seeks, Oedipus, ensnared by paranoia, remains deaf to reason. His anomalous character flaws thus serve as decisive elements substantiating his complicity in the tragic unraveling of his own fate.

In addition to his violent nature, Oedipus’ incessant seeking of the truth also leads him to his downfall. As the play opens, the audience learns that Oedipus is at the height of his success, as he had already become a great ruler of Thebes, revered by many for “defeating the Sphinx”. This only lends itself to demonstrate the great downfall that he will face at the hands of his own curiosity. Later, when Jocasta tells the tale of Laius’ death to Oedipus, he begins to doubt himself, in that he is indeed the murderer he is seeking. However, despite understanding the consequences, this does nothing to stop the momentum of his investigation. Oedipus refuses to consider Jocasta’s advice that he “live at random, best we can” and according to chance. Instead, he is so fixated on getting to the bottom of the truth by calling for the old shepherd who saved him when he was a baby. Oedipus is aware of the consequences, that “if he refers to one man, one alone, / clearly the scales come down on me: / I am guilty”. Even as the shepherd, like Tiresias, demonstrates reluctance to tell Oedipus what he knows, he insists that the truth must come out. Moreover, when Jocasta collapses in despair, Oedipus remains fervent in his determination to discover his true identity, proclaiming that “I must know it all, / must see the truth at last”. In the end, it is this unwavering confidence and determination for the truth that ultimately leads him to his downfall.

However, despite these interpretations, it can also be said that Oedipus was merely a prisoner of his own fate, indicating that all the questionable actions he took were merely part of his destiny, no matter how hard he tried to avoid it. Through this interpretation, Oedipus is guiltless as there was no way to avoid his fate. Many attempts to avoid Oedipus’ tragic fate appear in the play, yet he still fulfilled it regardless. Jocasta and Laius cast him out as a mere infant; Oedipus exiles himself from his adopted parents in fear that ill would befall them (and not his birth parents). Yet it is fate that drives him towards Thebes and to the crossroads where he slew Laius, where there was no reason to kill Laius, but he was driven to do so anyway. Fate rewards him cruelly with Jocasta as a wife after besting the Sphinx. Lastly, fate drives him to pursue the truth of his past, driving home the final punishment of exile and blindness set by himself. There appeared the illusion of free will in his choices, but Oedipus was ultimately driven to make horrible choices which resulted in the fulfillment of the prophecy. Hence, Sophocles presents the cruel reality that even though characters may take extensive manoeuvres to avoid committing the crimes of their fate, they will be compelled to commit abhorrent acts in order to fulfill their destinies.

Overall, Oedipus himself is a complex character: the extent of his guilt depends on how much the audience places value on his personal choices or the prison of his fate. It is true that his nature lends itself to the interpretation of his own guilt in his actions. However, given the context of ancient Greece where individuals were commonly understood to be prisoner of their own fate, there may have been no way for him to avoid the consequences. Hence, while Oedipus was ill-fated from birth, Sophocles aimed to imbue audiences with the moral that one’s choices are highly important to the outcome of their lives.

“ Oedipus the King demonstrates that the quest for truth only leads to self-destruction. ” Discuss.

The Fate of Oedipus, the King Essay

The Greeks referred to myths for the source of plots of their plays, rather than to invent plots of their own or to dramatize real life events.

Oedipus, born to Laius and Jocasta, the king and queen of Thebes, is destined to “kill his father and mate with his mother.” King Laius, pierces the foot of the baby born to him and leaves him to die on a hill top. Rescued by a herdsman, the baby is given to and brought up by King Polybus of Corinth. Years later, Oedipus learns that the king is not his biological father, and approaches the oracle and hears the curse pronounced on him. Out of fear, he flees Corinth to Thebe, and on his way kills a brave warrior when they shower insults on each other. Before reaching Thebes, he encounters the sphinx who gives him a riddle to answer. Being the only person to solve the riddle and thereby rescuing Thebe from a plague caused by the sphinx, the people crown him their king and give the queen in hand to him.

Years later, a plague befalls the kingdom. At the request of a priest to “Raise up our city, save it and raise it up” as “livestock and women are sterile, unable to have children,” Oedipus promises to seek the truth behind the suffering. (Summary and Analysis of Prologue, Parode and First Episode (1-462)). He sends Creon, Jocasta’s brother to the oracle at Delphi and learns that he has to “drive out pollution….Grown ingrained within the land” – and this pollution is a man: the murderer of Laius. (Summary and Analysis of Prologue, Parode and First Episode (1-462)). Oedipus vows to save his country and approaches Tiresias, who warns him that his quest for truth would land him in trouble as Oedipus is himself responsible for the malady.

Unable to put up with the words of the Seer, Oedipus seeks the truth. He learns that the person whom he had murdered long before was his father. Jocasta realizes the truth and commits suicide by hanging herself. Oedipus blinds himself with the brooches on Jocasta’s dress and leaves the kingdom with his daughter Antigone.

The people of Thebe live accursed lives. Oedipus is Jocasta’s son and husband, by fate. It is definitely not his fault for marrying his mother as he is innocent. Ironically, fearing such a fate he flees the land only to end up killing his father, rather unwittingly. All the characters suffer crisis in their lives as each incident is related to the other in the story. One incident leads to the other which is also the cause for calamity. The people of Thebe have to face one misery after the other which also influences the lives of the royal family. Incidentally, Oedipus who was the cause of bringing prosperity to Thebe after answering the question by the sphinx is himself responsible for incurring a plague on the country for murdering the former king, Laius. On the one hand Oedipus is the savior, on the other he is the cause for the country’s ill fate. Later, his sons fight for the kingdom and perish only to hand it over to their uncle Creon.

Works Cited

Summary and Analysis of Prologue, Parode and First Episode (1-462). Grade Saver. 1999-2008. Web.

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"The Fate of Oedipus, the King." IvyPanda , 27 Oct. 2021, ivypanda.com/essays/the-fate-of-oedipus-the-king/.

IvyPanda . (2021) 'The Fate of Oedipus, the King'. 27 October.

IvyPanda . 2021. "The Fate of Oedipus, the King." October 27, 2021. https://ivypanda.com/essays/the-fate-of-oedipus-the-king/.

1. IvyPanda . "The Fate of Oedipus, the King." October 27, 2021. https://ivypanda.com/essays/the-fate-of-oedipus-the-king/.

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IvyPanda . "The Fate of Oedipus, the King." October 27, 2021. https://ivypanda.com/essays/the-fate-of-oedipus-the-king/.

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Oedipus Fate Essay

Oedipus the King is a play by Sophocles. Oedipus is informed by a prophet that he will kill his father and marry his mother. Oedipus tries to avoid this Fate, but eventually fulfills the prophecy. Oedipus is one of the most famous examples of someone who tries to escape his Fate, but ultimately cannot.

At the beginning of Sophocles’ play “Oedipus the King,” it seemed like fate could be thwarted with enough planning and foresight. But as the story progressed, Oedipus came to realize that Fate was an unstoppable force beyond human control.

Many people try to avoid fate, but it always catches up to them in the end. Oedipus experienced this firsthand when his parents tried to escape their prophesied future by abandoning him in the wilderness.

Oedipus thought that he had actually escaped his fate when he was saved by a shepherd and taken in by the king and queen of Corinth. Oedipus’s Life was turned upside down when he found out from a prophet that he was destined to kill his daddy and wed his mother, Oedipus was so distraught over this that he blinded himself and exiled himself. Oedipus’s story is one that teaches individuals to be careful what they wish for because they may just get it, In Oedipus case, He desired nothing more than to know who he was, and once he discovered, all he wanted was death.

From Sophocles’ Oedipus the King, the theme of irony is used throughout the play. Oedipus is a perfect example of irony because he tries so hard to avoid his fate, but in reality, he only brings it upon himself. Oedipus is also an excellent example of the theme of hubris. Oedipus is blinded by his own pride and arrogance and doesn’t realize that he is only digging himself deeper into his own grave.

The story of Oedipus is a tragic one because it shows how even the best intentions can lead to disastrous results. Oedipus was a good man who tried to do what was right, but in the end, he only brought ruin upon himself and those around him. This story serves as a warning to everyone that we must be careful what we wish for, because we may just get it.

The death of Oedipus’ family members left him feeling honorless and questioning his self-respect, developing a cause and effect that turned his life upside down. People often talk about fate when they are experiencing great turmoil or have lost someone close to them.

Oedipus is a man who was betrayed by fate. Oedipus’ life was controlled by fate and the Gods. Oedipus became king of Thebes after he saved the city from the Sphinx, who had been tormenting it. Oedipus did not know that he was fulfilling his destiny when he killed his father, Laius, and married his mother, Jocasta.

Oedipus’s entire life was predetermined by the gods, but he did not know it. Oedipus’s actions were a result of his own choices, but his choices were influenced by fate. Oedipus’s tragedy was caused by his own actions, but his actions were controlled by fate. Oedipus was a victim of fate, but he was also responsible for his own downfall.

Oedipus Rex is a story about a man who was destined to kill his father and marry his mother. Oedipus was born to King Laius and Queen Jocasta of Thebes. An oracle prophesied that Oedipus would one day kill his father and marry his mother. In an attempt to avoid this fate, Oedipus was abandoned on a mountain side as a baby. He was found and raised by shepherds. When Oedipus grew up, he learned about the prophecy and decided to leave home in order to avoid fulfilling it.

Oftentimes when something bad happens, people brush it off as fate. It’s difficult to understand why individuals take solace in the belief that some accidents are just meant to be, rather than chalk it up to human error or stupidity.

Oedipus Rex is a play composed by Sophocles that presents such an occurrence. Oedipus, the king of Thebes, was fated to kill his dad and wed his mom from birth. Oedipus’ parents were informed of this prophecy and in order to prevent it from taking place, Oedipus’ daddy pierced his ankles and left him to die on a mountainside.

Oedipus was saved by a shepherd who took him in as his own child and later offered him to Polybus, the king of Corinth. Oedipus learned of his fate when he visited the oracle at Delphi as an adult and was told that he would kill his father and marry his mother.

In order to avoid this fate, Oedipus left Corinth and traveled to Thebes. Along the way, Oedipus killed a male who attempted to rob him and later ended up killing his very own daddy, Laius, at a crossroads without realizing who he was. Oedipus continued on to Thebes where he solved the riddle of the Sphinx and ended up wed to Jocasta, his mother, making him the king of Thebes.

Oedipus’ destiny was satisfied not due to the fact that he actively pursued it, however due to the fact that he ran away from it. If Oedipus had never discovered of his fate, it is most likely that he never would have been killed his daddy or married his mom. Oedipus’ destiny was fulfilled not due to the fact that he was bad, however because of the actions of others. Oedipus was a great guy who fell target to fate since of the activities of his parents and the individuals around him.

While some people may find comfort in believing that their undesirable occurrences were meant to be, others may find such a belief to be foolish. In Oedipus Rex, Sophocles show us that sometimes, it is better to accept what is happening and move on. Oedipus could have wallowed in self-pity after learning of his fate, but instead he chose to take action and make the best of the situation.

According to Shell, when the blame is excruciating, people turn to fate or destiny even without understanding the true meanings of these concepts. A lot of people utilize the terms “fate” and “destiny” interchangeably because they believe that these are one and the same. However, fate and destiny are two different ideas.

In Oedipus Rex, Sophocles utilizes the ideas of fate and destiny to describe Oedipus’ actions and his eventual downfall.

Fate is defined as “the development of events beyond a person’s control, regarded as determined by a supernatural power” (Fate). On the other hand, destiny is defined as “the events that will necessarily happen to a particular person or thing in the future” (Destiny). Based on these definitions, it can be inferred that fate is predetermined while destiny can be changed.

In Oedipus Rex, Oedipus was fated to kill his dad and marry his mom however he tried to change his destiny by leaving Corinth. Oedipus’ problem was that he did not understand his fate. If he had known, he would have never left Corinth in the first place.

The oracle told Oedipus’s parents that their son would kill his dad and marry his mom so they decided to kill him. Oedipus was saved by a shepherd and given to another family in Corinth. Oedipus grew up not understanding his true identity thinking that the king and queen of Corinth were his real parents (Shell).

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Home — Essay Samples — Literature — Oedipus — The Character Oedipus Analysis

The Character Oedipus Analysis

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Published: Jan 31, 2024

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Table of contents

Oedipus' tragic flaw and excessive pride, oedipus' determination to uncover the truth, oedipus' downfall and the concept of fate.

• Sophocles. "Oedipus Rex." Translated by Ian Johnston, Richer Resources Publications, 2005.

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