Nature Versus Nurture Debate In Sophocles Oedipus Rex

The never ending argument of why humans act the way they do takes the sides of one's DNA or one's life experiences in his or her environment in which they developed. This sociological and psychological argument, better known as the Nature versus Nurture debate, where scientists discuss how a person’s development can be due to either their life experiences or genetic makeup. The story of “Oedipus Rex”, by Sophocles, is an excellent example for the nature side of this argument. The actions of the former King and the current King Oedipus are so similar and when analyzed the results would show that inheritance played a major part in the similarities shared between Oedipus and Laïos. The former King Laïos and current King Oedipus are more alike than different, such as their similar responses to their combined prophecy, how their shared passion for their kingdom allowed for it to go awry, and even how they both performed an action without ever fully considering the outcome further described in how they both attempted to alter their fates; the author argues within this story that

Before the start of the tale, an oracle told Laïos, “that his doom would be death at the hands of his son” (674). His instant reaction to pierce his only child’s ankles together and then the order to take and leave his son stranded in the distant countryside. Thus, inheriting his father's faults, Oedipus cries to his citizens, “I solemnly forbid the people of this country... to ever receive that man... I decree that he be driven from every house” (223-4, 7). His decree to his people bares the tones of horror and fear, and also seen in Laïos’ rash decision on how he would protect himself. In conclusion, both Oedipus and Laïos’ rash reactions reveal similarity between their characteristics in how they handle the