Whether we are born into a predestined life, or one with free will, is a question that boggles our minds. Similar to such a concept is the case in Sophocles' play, Oedipus Rex. An underlying question that lingers within this play tends to ask if fate dominates free? In the play, Oedipus' violent and incestuous acts gave him a name of a sinner, but at the same time his intentions were not evil, instead they were pure. Analyzing Oedipus' actions through Freudian theories relieve him of the mal reputation given to him by the Greeks, showing that his actions were subconscious and innocent, but unfortunately fatal.
             During the time of the Greeks, fate was perceived as inevitable, and free will far from existence. However, with Oedipus aware of his own fate, free will played a large part in his life. To examine Oedipus through Freudian theories, one must first consider why Oedipus did what he did, and what flaws enfeebled him from prevailing before the gods. The initial start of Oedipus' path to his demise began when he met his real father at the crossroads. Recalling the incident Oedipus explains to Iocaste "I struck him in my rage...I knocked him out of his car, and he rolled on the ground. I killed him" Clearly Freud's theory of mental activity of the Id can be seen here. The Id is one of three phases of human mental activity, followed by the Ego, and Superego. The Id is classified as the center of our primitive instincts; blind and ruthless, it quenches the body's needs by gratifying its desires and pleasures. In this specific scene it is the anger deployed by the Id that overcomes Oedipus, inciting the rage he feels against Laios. It was Oedipus' choice to have Laios removed from his path of travel, feeling too superior, Oedipus believes as though he has he right of way. Much like an infant, not getting what they want, Oedipus uses force to indulge himself, as do little babies when hitting another and taking something from them. Alt...