Oedipus

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 t

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Oedipus was guilt, of killing his father and marrying his mother. if by any chance he proves to be an intimate of our house, here at my hearth, with my full know ledge, may the curse I just called down on him strike me!" (606). The true sin is when he attempts to raise himself to the level of the gods by trying to escape his fate. Oedipus is one play that is held together by the fact that fate is more powerful than anyone’s free will. However, Oedipus thought he could outsmart the gods, but in fact, his every action moved him closer to the prophesy becoming a reality. Instead of investigating the murder of the former 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. His pride, ignorance and unrelenting quest for the truth ultimately contributed to his destruction. Oedipus is accepting the full burden of his acts and knows that he must be punished for his sins. No matter how much free will Oedipus had in controlling his life, fate had already taken control.

Oedipus doesn’t realize the personal consequences his hunt for the murderer will have for him, and his loyalty to the truth is based on his ignorance. He punishes himself for the sins he committed by gouging out his eyes. He could have waited for the plague to end, but out of compassion for his suffering people, he had Creon go to Delphi to plead before Apollo to relieve the curse of the plague.

Common topics in this essay:
Lauis Oedipus, Sophocles CA496-406BC, Creon Delphi, Oedipus King, oedipus actions, killing father marrying, father marrying mother, life matter free, matter free, fate control, killing father, father marrying, marrying mother, life matter, gouging eyes,

Approximate Word count = 640
Approximate Pages = 3 (250 words per page double spaced)

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