Analysis of Sophocles' Oedipus the King

¶ … Oedipus Contribute to His Own Fate

Oedipus -- fate vs. free will

Ancient Greek philosophy promotes the idea that fate plays an important role in people's lives and that it would be pointless for individuals to attempt to change it. Fate takes on an ironic turn in the Ancient Greek tragedy Oedipus the King, with the central character being fated to encounter both success and misery in his life before it actually begins. Oedipus gets actively involved in trying to change his fate as he becomes familiarized with the fact that he is going to murder his father and marry his mother. The moment when he hears about the prophecy regarding his parents has a strong influence on Oedipus, as he leaves his adoptive parents and ends up killing his real father without actually being aware of this.

Most people would be inclined to believe that it would be wrong to say that up to the point when he kills his father Oedipus has any say in shaping his fate. Even with this, when considering the complexity of things, it would appear that the central character is actually to blame for the experiences that he goes through. The fact that he is arrogant and stubborn often makes it easier for fate to work in order to accomplish its goals. The character is practically unhesitant about performing a series of actions that directly endanger him and that expose him to a scenario in which he is barely a pawn in the overall game of life.

Oedipus and Laius' meeting is essential in making audiences better acquainted with the central character's thinking. If he were to employ a peaceful attitude during this meeting he would have simply walked away without anyone having to die. Instead, he chose to act in agreement with his arrogant thinking and ended up fulfilling part of the prophecy. Oedipus is certainly not in a position where he is forced to use violence, as his actions can be interpreted as an ancient form of road rage.

The time when he is provided with the opportunity to become king and to marry his mother once again demonstrates that the central character is partly responsible for what happens to him. He can easily adopt a suspicious attitude with regard to this situation and, again, move on without risking to put himself in an even worse situation. However, his arrogance prevails again and influences him to get his hands on all that he can come across.