Oedipus Rex Fate Vs Free Will

Drama and tragedy became a big part of the Greek theater. Oedipus Rex is considered one of the world’s greatest tragedies because of the series of unfortunate events that the main character goes through. Although the story is very tragic, it gives us a reminder of human will versus fate and how usually fate ends up winning. The various symbols throughout Oedipus Rex help to illustrate the theme that whether one accepts it or not, one can’t escape fate. Oedipus’ scars on his feet and his name Swollen Foot show how he couldn’t avoid what was going to happen. As Oedipus was talking to the messenger he states, “I have had the mark as long as I can remember” (3. 979). That mark had been on him for the longest, just like the prophecy that was given to him. This explains how Oedipus didn’t really have control of what was expected to happen. The messenger responded to Oedipus’ statement saying, “That was why you were given you bear” (3. 980). Just as he was given that name, he was given a curse which was to have a tragic life. This leads him to kill his father and sleep with his mother. As bad as it sounds, there was nothing that could be done to stop this.

blindness shows how one may be ignorant or come across knowledge that one might not like. As Teirasais and Oedipus are arguing about the truth that Oedipus won’t face, Teirasais states, “But I say that you, with both your eyes, are blind” (1. 399). By mentioning that Oedipus was blind, Teirasais was actually pointing out his ignorance. Oedipus was denying, or refusing to accept the wretchedness of his life. Further on, Oedipus realizes his horrible actions and the truth at last, when he said “Never have my own eyes looked on a sight so full of fear” (Exodos. 1248-1249). Oedipus said this to refer to that horrible knowledge that he now had, which was that he did kill his father and slept with his mother. He feared it now, but that wouldn’t change anything because it was