Fate In Sophocles Oedipus The King

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In the great Greek play Oedipus, composed by Sophocles, the main character is faced by an inescapable fate. Fate by definition is a predetermined course in which a person has no control. Some people do not believe in fate at all, some say you can run from it, and others believe you cannot escape fate as you are destined for it. Oedipus was born to King Laius and Queen Jocasta of Thebes. Once his parents heard the prophecy that was bestowed to Oedipus they instantly wanted to get rid of him to avoid the prophecy. Oedipus was given to a couple in Corinth and he was raised by this couple while they were well aware of his prophecy. Once Oedipus had matured he found out about his prophecy. In trying to steer clear of the outcome of the prophecy of killing his father and marrying his mother he flees from Corinth. While fleeing, he soon encounters a man that sets his road rage over the top. Shortly after he then is asked to become the king of Thebes because the previous king was killed. He accepts this and then marries the queen. He does not seem to notice this could be part of his prophecy. …show more content…

He and the queen are married for twenty some years and have four children. A plague has broken out upon Thebes and King Oedipus is being held responsible for the safety of his citizens. He then sends a messenger to go and bring back the prophet Tiresias. Oedipus listens to what the prophet has to say about the plague being caused by the murderer of Laius. Tiresias then tells of Oedipus’ prophecy, Jocasta then realizes what she has done and tries to get Oedipus to stop listening to Tiresias. “But I beseech you, harken! Do not do it! [...] / Woe, woe, unhappy! This is all I have/ To say to thee, and no word more, for ever!” (Sophocles

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