Essay, Research Paper
Oedipus the King: Free Will vs Fate
Essay written by Anonymous
The events in Oedipus the King, written by Sophocles, show an underlying relationship of man’s free will existing within the cosmic order or fate which the Greeks believed guided the universe in a harmonious purpose. Man was free to choose and was ultimately held responsible for his own actions. Both the concept of fate and free will played an itregal part in Oedipus’ destruction. Although he was a victim of fate, he was not controlled by it. Oedipus was destined from birth to someday marry his mother and to murder his father. This prophecy, as warned by the oracle of Apollo at Delphi was unconditional and inevitably would come to pass, no matter what he may have done to avoid it. His past actions were determined by fate, but what he did in Thebes, he did so of his own will.
From the beginning of this tragedy, Oedipus took many actions leading to his own downfall. Oedipus could have waited for the plague to end, but out of compassion for his suffering people, he had Creon go to Delphi. When he learned of Apollo’s word, he could have calmly investigated the murder of the former King Laius, but in his hastiness, he passionately curses the murderer, and in so, unknowingly curses himself. “Upon the murderer I invoke this curse- whether he is one man and all unknown, or one of many- may he wear out his life in misery or doom! If with my knowledge he lives at my hearth, I pray that I myself may feel my curse.” (pg. 438; lines 266-271)
In order for Sophecles’ Greek audience to relate to the tragic figure, he had to have some type of flaws or an error of ways. This brought the character down to a human level, invoking in them the fear that “it could happen to them.” And Oedipus certainly is not one without flaws. His pride, ingnorance, insolence and disbelief in the gods, and unrelenting quest for the truth ultimately contributed to his destuction. When Oedipus was told (after threatening Teiresias), that he was responsible for the murder of Laius, he became enraged and calls the old oracle a liar. He ran away from his home, Corinth, in hopes of outsmarting the gods divine will. Like his father, Oedipus also sought ways to escape the horrible destiny told by the oracle of Apollo. The chorus warns us of man’s need to have reverence for the gods, and the dangers of too much pride. “If a man walks with haughtiness of hand or word and gives no heed to Justice and the shrines of Gods despises- may an evil doom smite him for his ill-starred pride of heart!- if he reaps gains without justice and will not hold from impiety and his fingers itch for untouchable things. When such things are done, what man shall contrive to shield his soul from the shafts of the God?” (pg. 452; 975-984)
Oedipus’ unyielding desire to uncover the truth about Laius’ murder and the mystery surrounding his own birth, led him to the tragic realization of his horrific deeds. Teiresias, Jocasta and the herdsman tried to stop him from pursuing the truth. Take for example a part of the last conversation between Jocasta and Oedipus. After realizing that the prophecy had came true, Jacasta begs him to just let the mystery go unsolved for once. “I beg you- do not hunt this out- I beg you, if you have any care for your own life. What I am suffering is enough.” (pg. 461; 1158-1161) Oedipus replies, “I will not be persuaded to let chance of finding out the whole thing clearly.” (pg. 461; 1166-1167) He is unable to stop his quest for the truth, even under his wife’s pleading. For it is in his own vain that he must solve the final riddle, the riddle of his own life.
Upon discovery of the truth of his birth from the herdsman, Oedipus cries, “I who first saw the light bred of a match accursed, and accursed in my living with them, cursed in my killing.” (pg. 465; 1300-1303) Oedipus knew that his fate had indeed come to pass and feels cursed by it. The chorus then sings an ode on the sorrow of life and the tragic fate to which even the most honored, like Oedipus are ultimately subject. “What man, what man on earth wins more happiness than a seeming and after that turning away? Oedipus you are my pattern of this, Oedipus you and your fate! Luckless Oedipus, whom of all men I envied not at all. (pg. 465; 1305-1311)
At the end of this tragic story, when Oedipus gouges out his eyes, the chorus asks him what god urged him to blind himself. Oedipus replied, “It was Apollo, friends, Apollo, that brought this bitter bitterness, my sorrows to completion. But was the hand that struck me was none but my own.” (pg. 467; 1450-1453) He claimed full responsibility for his actions. Oedipus was guilty of killing his father and marrying his mother, but perhaps the true sin lay in his overzealous attempt to raise himself to the level of the gods by trying to escape his fate. The chorus chants about how in prosperity, he was envied by all men, he was honored highest above all honors, and how he won happiness by pride (by slaughtering the Sphinx, and by trying to deceive the god’s will.) But, how ultimately, Odipus was judged for it, causing a reversal of fortune in his prosperous life.
The fact that Oedpius’ motives for killing his father, Laius, and wedding his mother, Jocasta, it does not take away from the horrific nature of the crimes. When he tears at his eyes with his Jocasta’s broach, Oedipus is accepting the full burden of his acts and knew that he must be punished for his sins. Therefore the last act of destruction was caused by Oedipus’ free will, but his tragic fate came about because of the nature of the cosmic order ( that every sin must be punished) and role of the gods in human affairs.
The chorus concludes this tragedy by warning the Greeks, that the only way to happiness is through humility and respect towards the gods, (qualities which Oedipus lacked, and ultimately led to his destruction.) They also warn not to take anything for granted, or suffer a fate like that of Oedipus. ” You live in my ancestral Thebes, behold this Oedipus,- him who knew the famous riddle and was a man most masterful,- not a citizen who did not look with envy on his lot-see him now and see the breakers of misfortune swall him! Look upon that last day always. Count no mortal happy till he has passed the final limit of his life secure from pain.” (pg. 470; 1643-1670)
Другие работы по теме:
Oedipus Deserved His Fate Essay Research Paper
(note: this paper was presented in a debate, hence the referance to “the negative side”) Today the negative side will try to declare that it was Sophocles’ intention that we regard Oedipus as a good man. But if he was good, why do we never see him in the act of being good? He accuses Tiresias and Creon, two formerly blameless men, of conspiring to dethrone him and take over the country.
Oedipus Free Will Essay Research Paper The
Oedipus Free Will Essay, Research Paper The characters in the story are free to make their own choices in life. Laios, upon being told that his son will kill him and marry his wife, chooses to have him killed. If Laios had not been told this
Oedipus Rex 4 Essay Research Paper Essay
Oedipus Rex 4 Essay, Research Paper Essay- Oedipus the King by Sophocles According to Aristotle, the protagonist in a tragedy must have a tragic flaw that ultimately becomes the cause of his ruin. Oedipus in Oedipus the King by Sophocles tragic flaw that caused his downfall was his pride. Three examples of when Oedipus pride got the better of him were: when he left his adopted parents in Cornith, the second is when he goes against Creon, and the third is when Oedipus is demanding that the messenger tell him all he knows about who his real parents are.
Theme In Antigone Essay Research Paper Antigone
Theme In Antigone Essay, Research Paper Antigone, by Sophocles, is a play that has three major themes. All three of these themes play a very important part in this play. The three major themes are fate, love, and pride. Oedipus had killed his father, king of Thebes, not knowing it was his father and then took over Thebes.
OedipusS Misfortunes Essay Research Paper Oedipuss MisfortunesWho
Oedipus?S Misfortunes Essay, Research Paper Oedipus?s Misfortunes Who is responsible for the misfortunes of Oedipus? Is it because of the careless way his parents, Laius and Jocasta handle problems, the disobedience of the Shepard, fate, the gods or Oedipus himself? Even though many people contribute to Oedipus downfall he is ultimately responsible.
Oedipus Essay Research Paper The story of
Oedipus Essay, Research Paper The story of Oedipus Rex is a classic example of a tragic hero. Oedipus is a hero who actively plays a large role in his own demise. This paper will take a look at how Oedipus Rex starred in his own demise, and what character flaws caused him to do so. It will also look at how the theme of the story (the battle of free will versus faith) may have been the biggest reason for Oedipus?s self-destruction.
Oedipus Rex 3 Essay Research Paper OEDIPUS
Oedipus Rex 3 Essay, Research Paper OEDIPUS REX There are those in the world that will have you believe that fate controls the lives of all of us. Still, there are those who insist that each individual has complete control over there own lives; a free will over there own destinies. Oedipus attempts to dodge his fate and change his life for the better, an act that has the reverse effect.
The Theban Plays Essay Research Paper Throughout
The Theban Plays Essay, Research Paper Throughout, The Theban Plays Creon remained an important character. From the first play King Oedipus through the second play Oedipus at Colonus Creon displayed a dramatic change in his character. A change in Creon?s personality was noticeable when the truth about Oedipus was revealed.
Oedipus The King Essay Research Paper Oedipus 2
Oedipus The King Essay, Research Paper Oedipus: King Of Riddles? In Greek mythology the oracles or gods are rarely wrong in their predictions of the future. Yet the characters still try to fight the
Fate Is Omniscent Essay Research Paper Fate
Fate Is Omniscent Essay, Research Paper Fate Is Omniscient When you are born your fate has already been predetermined, from what color your hair will be, what type of car you will drive, who you will marry, and ultimately how you will die. No matter what you do to alter your fate it won t work. You are only a chess piece on a chessboard known to you as the world.
Oedipus 3 Essay Research Paper The Greek
Oedipus 3 Essay, Research Paper The Greek tragedy of Oedipus illustrates dramatic irony through Oedipus’ noble birth which is unknown to him and his fall from the throne due to his fate and excessive pride.
Oedipus Rex Essay Research Paper Oedipus RexCharacters
Oedipus Rex Essay, Research Paper Oedipus Rex Characters in the play Oedipus the King attempt to block the horrible outcome of the gods? oracle. The first people to do so were Oedipus? mother and father, Laius and Jocasta. After hearing the unmoral and disruptive prediction, they attempted to execute their own child.
Oedipus The Mysteries Of Fate Essay Research
Paper Oedipus: The Mysteries of Fate Robert Choi Among the first thing a historian discovers in his study of early civilization are records of people’s belief, or faith, in powers greater than
Oedipus Essay Research Paper OedipusEven though
Oedipus Essay, Research Paper Oedipus Even though “fate” seems to determine Oedipus’ life, he does, in fact, have a free will. His choices brought the prophecy to life. Only his decisions (not influenced by anybody) he made. Of course those decisions were in side of the limits set by fate. When Oedipus heard a prophesy that his going to kill his father and sleep with his mother he ran away, even when he new there were suspicions of him being the real son of his parents.
Fate In Oedipus Rex Essay Research Paper
Dennis Terrey Period Two English IV AP Through Sophocles? use of foreshadowing in the play Oedipus Rex, certain truths are revealed to the reader, such as the fact that a lack of respect for fate can eventually
Fate In The Lives Of Men Essay
, Research Paper Fate in the Lives of MenFate played a large role in the story of Oedipus the King. Fate is what caused Oedipus to live in Corinth with King Polybus and Queen Merope, and what also came as his downfall in Thebes. Oedipus, Jocasta, and Laius all tried to escape their fate. Laius ordered his son to be left on the mountains of Cithaeron to die.
More Tragic Oedipus Or Antigone Essay Research
Paper Sophocles was a master of tragedy, there?s no argument there. But which of the 2 plays we?ve studied, Oedipus the King and Antigone, is the more tragic? I believe that Oedipus the King was more intensely tragic and I
Fate Of Oedipus Essay Research Paper Sophocles
Fate Of Oedipus Essay, Research Paper Sophocles Oedipus Tyrannus is a tragic play that discusses the tragic discovery of Oedipus that he has killed his father and married his mother. In Greek mythology, oracles or gods are rarely wrong in their predictions of the future. Yet Oedipus still tries to fight the predictions.
Sight And Blindness A Metaphor For Humanity
’s Place In The Universe Essay, Research Paper In Oedipus the King, sight and blindness were used as a metaphor for humanity’s place in the universe. The gods and unchangeable fate remained hidden from humans; therefore, they were blind to the truth of existence. It is ironic that the only insight Oedipus had into the gods’ will was through a blind man.
A Hopeless Fate Essay Research Paper It
A Hopeless Fate Essay, Research Paper It was once said by Ralph Waldo Emmerson, Where there is no vision, a people perish. In Sophecles Greek tragedy, Oedipus Rex, the oracle advised Oedipus that he was tomurder his father and marry his mother. As a result, Oedipus tried to change his fate. Oedipus, Jocasta, and Tiresias all demonstrated the concept of blindness in Oedipus Rex.
Fate Vs Free Will In Oedipus Essay
, Research Paper FREE WILL VS. FATE IN OEDIPUS REX The great philosopher Socrates believes that humans rule themselves with a combination of fate and free will. In Oedipus Rex a combination of fate and free will
Blindness In Oedipus Rex Essay Research Paper
Blindness in “Oedipus the King” In Sophocles’ play, “Oedipus the King”, one of the main themes is blindness. The author uses physical blindness, as well as intellectual blindness to illustrate Oedipus’ status
Oedipus Fate Vs Free Will Essay Research
Paper 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.
Fate Overpowers Free Will Oedipus The King
) Essay, Research Paper Concerning the question of fate vs. free will, Sophocles felt that a person has no control over the course of his life. In the play Oedipus the King, Oedipus is a great example of Sophocles’ belief that fate will control a man’s life no matter how much free will exists in the man’s heart.
Oedipus Rex Tragedy Of Fate Essay Research
Paper Oedipus Rex: Tragedy of Fate Oedipus the King is widely regarded as a tragedy of fate. Briefly stated, it begins with a terrible plague that destroys the city. King Oedipus
Oedipus The King And His Fate Essay
, Research Paper Oedipus The King, by Sophocles, is a play about how Oedipus lives up his fate that he will kill his father and marry his mother, both of which are extremely bad in the Greek society, even though he thinks he is getting away from it. Despite the Greek notions of supreme power of the gods and fate, Oedipus’ downfall is primarily the result of King Laius? and his own actions and attempts to defy the gods, consequently Sophocles says that prophecies from the gods of someone?s fate should not be ignored.
The Role Of Fate In Oedipus The
King Essay, Research Paper Audrey Fish The Role of Fate in “Oedipus the King” Is Oedipus a victim of the gods, their prophecies, and destiny, or his own fatal flaws? I am under the impression that Sophocles wrote the play to underscore the uselessness of trying to avoid one’s fate. He implies that we need to turn to the gods because we cannot see the whole picture.
Antigone And Oedipus Essay Research Paper How
Antigone And Oedipus Essay, Research Paper How fate works in mysterious ways In the plays Antigone and Oedipus. Fate played a large part in the lives of these two characters. Fate play s an extremely important part in the life of Oedipus. Antigone doesn t have fate play as deep a part in her life as Oedipus does.People surrounded by these main characters also have fate affect thier lives.
Asefasdf Essay Research Paper Oedipus the King
Asefasdf Essay, Research Paper Oedipus the King by Sophocles Sophocles “Oedipus the King” is a tragic play which discusses the tragic discovery of Oedipus that he has killed his father and married his mother. The story of Oedipus (2 page)
Oedipus Rex Essay Research Paper In Sophocles 2
Oedipus Rex Essay, Research Paper In Sophocles? Oedipus Rex, dramatic irony is often present in Oedipus? long speeches. Oedipus constantly sees things incorrectly, and is in denial that he
Oedipus The King 3 Essay Research Paper
Oedipus the King Ankle Theory The classification of Oedipus the King as a tragedy requires it to meet certain criteria pertaining to the main character, Oedipus. Oedipus must have no control over the situation which he is in, he has to have been harmed by someone for doing nothing or doing what is just, and he must come to an end in which he is utterly lost, or dies without resolving the situation.
Oedipus And Humanity
’s Flaw Essay, Research Paper Oedipus and Humanity s Fatal Flaw While the play Oedipus the Wreck was about a king whose reign was destroyed by his own deeds, the message contained within the play was much deeper, and aimed towards every man and woman. That message was that humanity s worst and most unconquerable enemy is their own misgivings.
Macbeth And Oedipus Rex Essay Research Paper
Macbeth and Oedipus Rex Analysis Oedipus Rex and Macbeth are both tragic plays. They have many similarities and differences. Some of them are in the role of fate, the characters, and the setting and the