Fate vs free will in Oedipus rex

In order to examine Oedipus Rex effectively in terms of free will and determinism, one must first understand these concepts fully and are intrinsically woven in to the concept of fate, which is a hugely fore-grounded theme in the play. Fate is derived from the latin word “fatum”, meaning ‘that which has been spoken’. This interpretation is directly linked to the ancient greek belief in the ability of the Gods to dictate and direct a persons life, absolutely. However, a full consideration of free will and determinism in the play necessitates the examination of ‘fatalism’ in the same regard. There exists a significant difference in meaning between determinism and fatalism; determinism being generally interpreted as viewing free will and fate as compatible. It suggests that whilst each event is casually determined, a person’s choices and exertion of free will are part of what helps determine the future. Fatalism on the other hand is the more extreme view that every detail of the future is mapped out and inevitable regardless of a person’s desires and choices. Therefore, to determine how these concepts are deployed in Oedipus Rex, the character’s actions, the repercussions of these actions, the intervention of Apollo, and the role pla

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It has been suggested that Sophocles places no emphasis on determinism, but only stresses the infallibility of Apollo. This stresses her belief in the power and ability of the Gods to affect the peoples lives, but uncertainty in reliance on the fore telling skills of the oracle.

Another element of Oedipus’ harmatia is his pride which, arguably, is the catalyst for the events that essentially lead to his downfall. ”

He is intelligent, and of high social standing, yet he suffers because of his fatal flaw, or error in judgement. This is demonstrated by the conscious effort Oedipus makes to escape the destiny the Oracle prophesised, such as when he flees Corinth under the misconception that he was leaving his birth parents behind. Thus, through compounding such pride, ignorance and poor judgement time and again, seemingly exerting his free will in order to do so, Oedipus leads himself in to disaster. Iocasta expresses doubt in the divine knowledge of the oracle:

“Therefore, so far as divination goes,

Or prophecy, I’ll take no notice of it”

However, in the following scene we see her praying to Apollo for the deliverance of Thebes, and peace of mind for Oedipus. ”

Never the less, Oedipus still refuses to return to Corinth in fear of the second part of the prophesy becoming reality. It supports the view that the Oracles prophecy was not simply a reading of events, but of his very self; consequently, given his individual attributes and his character flaws, Oedipus would act a certain way and make particular decisions which ultimately leat to the fulfilment of he Oracles prophesy. My heart is heavy with

The city’s pain, my own, and yours together. leave Corinth for Thebes, become angry and impatient and thus kill his father, be bright enough to solve the riddle of the sphinx, and as a result marry his mother. This underlines his doubt in the Oracle, in conjunction with his belief in the ability of the Gods to shape his life.

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This is further evidenced in Iocasta and Laius’ attempt to escape the ruin which the Oracle prophesised by trying to destroy Oedipus.

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