Oedipus Rex by Sophocles - 889 Words

Fate is defined as the development of events beyond a person’s control. A person’s predetermined course of events better yet. In Sophocles’s Oedipus the King, fate is primary theme in the play. The influence of fate goes beyond the play but how Greeks viewed fate entirely. Also, Oedipus somewhat represented the Athenian political system and the people of Athens by his leadership. And lastly, having the play unfold, one is able to sympathize with Oedipus and strike pity and fear rather than disgust from his sins. The power of fate in Oedipus the King was one that shaped the entire story. In the beginning of the play, Oedipus heard from Creon that the plague has hit the city of Thebes and for it to move out of Thebes, someone was to finish off the person who killed Laius. Oedipus took it upon himself to save the city. When a blind prophet informed him of the prophecies that Oedipus was the murderer and that the man who was responsible for killing Laius will be the brother and the father of his own children, Oedipus was appalled. When he later told Jocasta of the prophecies, she denied them. And explained that fate isn’t real. Oedipus then realizes that all the prophecies he was told in his lifetime were in fact, true. The influence of fate on Oedipus was something that he couldn’t runaway from. When he found out his parents weren’t his actual parents, Oedipus tried to runaway from his problems. But in actuality, he was the son of Laius and Jocasta, which proved that theShow MoreRelatedOedipus Rex, Sophocles1252 Words   |  6 PagesOedipus the ideal Tragic Hero Kelli Richards Liberty University Abstract In the play Oedipus Rex, Sophocles portrays Oedipus who is also the main character, as a good- natured, beautiful, noble yet narcissistic person who has a lapse of judgment and fall from power. Throughout the play Oedipus makes a few profound decisions for which he is condemned to plentiful suffering;Read MoreOedipus Rex, by Sophocles822 Words   |  4 Pagesrelates to Oedipus’s situation from Oedipus Rex by Sophocles. Sophocles‘ Oedipus Rex tells the story of a monarch named Oedipus whowho becomes the unfortunate victim of circumstances beyond his control. In Oedipus Rex, Oedipus‘ downfall is not a result of excessive hubris or his actions, but rather his parents’ disgraceful actions and uncontrollable aspects of fate. Oedipus’ parents actions and decisions are a major element in Oedipus’ tragic downfall. Before Oedipus is born, Laius and Jocasta, theRead MoreOedipus Rex by Sophocles683 Words   |  3 PagesThe play Oedipus Rex is a Greek tragedy written by Sophocles during a time when Athens was the major power of the world. During this period, people believed that the Gods had control over their destiny. The play itself opens up as a detective story, because there is murder, and mystery surrounding the murder, as well as solving the mystery as the central theme and ultimate conclusion of the story. A plague has befallen the city of Thebes and so King Oedipus sends his in-law Creon to the Oracle ofRead MoreEssay on Sophocles Oedipus Rex1369 Words   |  6 PagesSophocles Oedipus Rex As the plot in Sophocles famous play Oedipus Rex unfolds, many aspects of the relationship between ancient Greeks and their gods are revealed. It demonstrates that the people couldRead MoreThe Characters Of Oedipus Rex By Sophocles973 Words   |  4 PagesMaya Fleischer Ms. Hampson World Lit II CPA 11/7/17 Oedipus Essay Whether positive or negative, individuals have various characteristics that define them. Many people struggle to find a balance between confidence and arrogance. Oedipus, King Laius, and Queen Jocasta fall into this category, as they all possess this character flaw. Throughout Oedipus Rex by Sophocles, these characters make decisions based on what is best for themselves. Sometimes putting yourself before others is necessary forRead MoreOedipus Rex by Sophocles Essay1829 Words   |  8 PagesOedipus Rex by Sophocles In Sophocles Oedipus the King which is a tragic play, which discusses the tragic discovery that Oedipus has killed his father and married his mother. Oedipus is the embodiment of the perfect Athenian. He is self-confident, intelligent, and strong willed. Ironically these are the very traits which bring about his tragic discovery. Oedipus gained the rule of Thebes by answering the riddle of The Sphinx. Sophocles used the riddle of The Sphinx as a metaphor forRead MoreOedipus Rex by Sophocles1222 Words   |  5 PagesOedipus a man who’s fate was out to get him, the great king of Thebes formerly prince of Corinth. He had to face many struggles in his life that he had well caused, and even though Oedipus tried to escape his fate by leaving Corinth. His true fate lied in Thebes while Corinth was just an obstacle. Oedipus is a man who in a way caused his own fate to be brought out into the light revealing everything. It was all because of Oedipus determination to figure out who killed the great king before him LaiosRead MoreThe Unavoidable Fate In Oedipus Rex By Sophocles1010 Words   |  5 PagesDestiny Fate is an unavoidable force that controls life. Oedipus Rex by Sophocles is a Greek tragedy about Oedipus finding the truth about his origin, while also trying to save the city of Thebes from a terrible plague. Oedipus unknowingly ends up killing his father and marrying his mother. When the truths about his sins are discovered, Oedipus blinds himself and exiles himself from Thebes. Oedipus ultimately could not control fate. Oedipus could not control the fate of citizens of Thebes as a kingRead MoreThe Flaws Of Arrogance In Oedipus Rex By Sophocles796 Words   |  4 Pagesonce said, â€Å"None are so empty as those who are full of themselves.† The words ring true through the character Oedipus whose tragic flaw of arrogance brought his downfall. In his timeless play, Oedipus Rex, author Sophocles unflinchingly illuminates the haughtiness and hubris displayed by the hero Oedipus. Through his candid exploration of the ship/captain and light/dark motifs, Sophocles makes an e ffort to ultimately bring the reader to the realization that arrogance creates an illusion to the truthRead MoreThe Value Of Leadership In Oedipus Rex By Sophocles1326 Words   |  6 PagesBased on evidence, Athenians valued bravery, confidence and heroic strength in their leaders. For example, the entire reason Oedipus from Oedipus Rex by Sophocles became king of Thebes is because he defeated the Sphinx that was guarding the city, saving the citizens (info from the backstory). On page 11, a senator makes the comment, â€Å"if his bosom holds a grain of fear, curses like yours he never will abide.† The reader can assume the Athenians valued bravery because the senator makes a comment against