oedipus
Oedipus the King, was written by Sophocles between C.A.496-406B.C. In this play, Oedipus is a great example of Sophocles' belief that fate will control a man's life no matter how much free will exists. Oedipus is a man of unflagging determination and perseverance, but one who must learn through the working out of a terrible prophecy that there are forces beyond any man's conceptualization or control. Oedipus' actions were determined before his birth, yet Oedipus' actions are entirely determined by the Gods who control him completely. In the beginning of this tragedy, Oedipus took many actions leading to his own downfall. He tried to escape Corinth when he learned of the prophecies that were supposed to take place in his life. Instead, he fell right into the trap of the prediction by unwittingly killing his father and later marrying his mother. By doing this, he proved that his life was predetermined by fate and there was nothing he could do
An example is when Oedipus was told [after threatening Tiresias], that he was responsible for the murder of Laius. However, Oedipus thought he could outsmart the gods, but in fact, his every action moved him closer to the prophesy becoming a reality. Therefore, fate is proved to be inevitable. He became enraged and called the old oracle a liar. He punishes himse!lf for the sins he committed by gouging out his eyes. His pride, ignorance and unrelenting quest for the truth ultimately contributed to his destruction. No matter how much free will Oedipus had in controlling his life, fate had already taken control. Oedipus was guilt, of killing his father and marrying his mother. Oedipus is one play that is held together by the fact that fate is more powerful than anyone's free will. Instead of investigating the murder of the form!er King Lauis, Oedipus took matters into his own hands and cursed the murderer, now the curse would effect him as well, because he was the one who killed Lauis. Oedipus is accepting the full burden of his acts and knows that he must be punished for his sins. Sophocles feels that a person has no control over the course of his life.
Common topics in this essay:
Lauis Oedipus,
Sophocles CA496-406BC,
Creon Delphi,
Oedipus King,
father marrying mother,
life matter free,
killing father,
killing father marrying,
matter free,
life matter,
fate control,
father marrying,
marrying mother,
gouging eyes,
oedipus' actions,
|
Acceptance Essays
