Fate And Free Will In Oedipus Rex - 1577 Words

The complex relationship between fate and free will was a common topic explored in ancient Greek plays. Oedipus Rex written by Sophocles survived through the years with such universal questions provoked by the plot. Fate and free will were driving forces woven throughout the play and considerably difficult to distinguish for both characters and the audience. Fate was considered an all powerful force by the individuals in the play. Oedipus challenged the power of fate in favor of his free will seen through his rash decisions, hubris, and choice to live in ignorance. The fate of Oedipus was created by his own free will and was, therefore, deserved. Oedipus changed his own fate before the opening scene of the play. It was his choice to†¦show more content†¦He was not forced to kill his father, King Laios, but his reckless decisions led him to this disgraceful deed. Oedipus believed God and fate alone constructed his horrible end, although his choices started the sequence of unfortunate events. The distressing situations Oedipus suffered, were all created by his own free will. His decisions alone started and ended his appalling fate. Other than impulsiveness, Oedipus’s hubris was his major flaw that contributed to his horrible fate. Oedipus considered himself to be similar to the gods and just as great, so he could not fathom to be anything less than perfect. When the play began, Oedipus spoke to his people about the plague as if he were an all powerful God and creator, â€Å"Poor children? You must be sure I know/All that you longed for in your coming here...Sick as you are, not one is sick as I.†(60-64) By calling the people his children, Oedipus expressed his hubris that made him feel comparable to a Godly creator. His hubris was emphasized when he explained no one suffered as much as him, because he suffered for everyone. Oedipus is never modest in regard to, â€Å"This country,/Where all power and throne are mine† (223-224). Many characters hinted and told Oedipus outright he was the cause of the plague. However, Oedipus disregarded these claims and threatened anyone who spoke against h im. TeiresiasShow MoreRelatedFate And Free Will : Oedipus Rex1841 Words   |  8 PagesFate and free will have many meanings towards what they mean in Oedipus Rex it’s all based on fate and free will. When your whole life is planned out for you it’s usually fate something you can’t avoid or run away from. Fate is played out in Oedipus Rex although free will happens to be your choice of action which happens to be played out in the play. Oedipus pursed information to seek certain knowledge that he should ve just left alone about his identity. Fate is responsible for Oedipus’s incestRead MoreFate And Free Will Vs. 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