In his play Oedipus the King, Sophocles effectively illustrates and defines the relationship existing between fate and free will. Essentially, fate is the overall structure that guides human existence, and free will is the attitude that the individual adopts towards this structure. Therefore, the leading cause of Oedipus’ destruction, is his refusal to humble himself to the existence of anything greater than himself. The following passage uttered by the course captures this underlying moral, “But if any man comes striding, high and mighty in all he says and does, no fear of justice, no reverence for the temple of the gods-let a rough doom tear him down.” (206) Thus, it is the dominating attributes of Oedipus’ personality such as his self-confidence, courage and determination that essentially compel him upon his own ruin. Oedipus’ tremendous self-confidence is a significant contributing factor to his eventual demise.
He refuses to acknowledge or answer to anyone but himself, and he believes that he possesses the ability to control his life as well as the lives of his people. “You pray to the gods, let me grant your prayers.” (171) It is this unfaltering confidence that initiates Oedipus’ flight from Cornith, in response to the prophecy of the oracle of Delphi. Oedipus believes that the actions he takes in leaving ‘his parents’, will alter the horrible vision of his destiny. However, each move that he makes brings him closer and closer to that which he is trying to avoid. “the god Apollo spurned me, sent me away denied the facts I came for, but first he flashed before my eyes a future with great pain and terror…
The Essay on Oedipus Gods Play Fate
Sophocles uses a mixture of both visual and emotional imagery to create the morally questioning, Greek tragedy 'Oedipus Tyrannos'. He presents the audience with an intense drama, which addresses the reality and importance of the gods that the Greeks fervently believed in. The play also forces the audience to ask themselves if there is such a concept as fate. From the very beginning of Oedipus, it ...
.’ You are fated to couple with you mother, you will bring a breed of children into the light no man can bear to see-you will kill your father the one who gave you life’ I heard all of that and I ran. I abandoned Cornith from that day on… And as I fled I reached that very spot where the great king, you say, met his death” (205) Moreover, Oedipus’ courage to seek the truth and accept the consequences of his actions (despite desperate pleas not to, are also significant causes of his destruction. Driven by a desire for knowledge and understanding, Oedipus courageously continues on this quest, fearless of the unknown that awaits him. When he realizes that he may have been responsible for Laius’ death, he does not slink from the truth like a coward; instead he presses on, knowing full well the potential ramifications of such action.
“Oh no no, I think I’ve just called down a dreadful curse upon myself-I simply don’t know… I have a terrible fear that the blind seer can see. I’ll know in a moment. One thing more-… Ai now I can see it all, clear as day.” (203) If Oedipus had been a weaker man, terrified of knowing the truth, his horrible fate may never have occurred.
However, his refusal give into fear of the unknown, propels him along his tragic course. “I must know all, must see the truth at last” (222) Finally, Oedipus’ unyielding determination is the concluding causal factor of his tragic ruin.
