Sophocles Oedipus The King-Fate Vs Free Will

Oedipus Rex: Will vs Fate

The play Oedipus Rex by Sophocles, the theme of the tragedy is will vs fate that by the decisions that one make, one can change our fate or, start our predestined destinies. The theme will vs fate in the play involves in many events that led to the tragedy by the characters' will on prophecies and start their fate.

The start of destiny to follow towards its path was when the following prophecy was given to Oedipus’ parents, "An oracle was reported to Laius..." (Sophocles 1.2.669-683). This prophecy that was given had caused the family’s lives to change and is like a test because if they were not told the prophecy, the events that happened and the tragedy will not occur. Oedipus’s parents choice was to abandon him which

Oedipus' choice of telling his citizens what he was going to do to the murder of Laius was a bad judgment of his overconfidence. As a king, Oedipus cannot easily announce things like that since it is important information that must be analyzed what the merits/demerits of it are which shows Oedipus inexperience as a new king. In addition, Oedipus was given the same prophecy as his parents in the following words, "Apollo said through his prophet..." (Sophocles 2.3.945-951). This represents fate since his parents and Oedipus were given the same prophecy and took action that led them to their future. It shows how close-minded Oedipus is since he would not do that because they are his "parents" and his fear will prevent him from doing that.

In conclusion, the theme will vs fate shows us that no matter what we do, fate cannot change. Our decisions are just a little push towards the future we do not want like with Oedipus. So, fate is a mysterious and unknown thing that can change by the choices that we make into uncertain futures or fated ones that could be good or