The tragic play "Oedipus Rexes" describes the life of Oedipus and the events that led to his ultimate downfall. Through specific dialogue and narrative progression "Oedipus Rexes" Is able to convey Oedipus as a velvet of fate, and although the play was written many years ago, Oedipus' experience can still be Interpreted by modern society to debate whether or not man Is In control of his/her own destiny. The over arching theme of fate, or a predetermined destiny, is developed throughout the story, through specific dialogue and progression of the story.
In the ginning when Oedipus was an infant, he was prophesied to be the one who would overthrow his father and marry his wife. Fearing this, King Alias, ordered Oedipus to be killed. This is the first example of fate. If Oedipus would ha
...ve died as a baby, the prophecy would not have occurred; however, locate took pity on him and spared his life, allowing Oedipus to fulfill his destiny. As the story progresses, Oedipus flees Corinth in fear of the prophecy, but in doing so, only reassures Oedipus as a victim of fate. The battle between fate and fortune is an everlasting theme In "Oedipus Rexes" each developed as the story progresses.
Oedipus would like to believe that he controls his own destiny and that the decisions he makes will alter the future, however, as the story continues, every action Oedipus takes only serves to solidify his destiny. After the priest tells Oedipus of the plague and suffering, Oedipus sends for Akron to talk to the oracle. Akron returned with the oracle's message. "My Lord: Alias once ruled this land, before you
came to govern us. He was murdered; and Apollo commands us now to take revenge upon however killed him. " (107-111) From there on, every decision Oedipus makes, only contributes to his realization and downfall.
As Oedipus pursues Also' killer, he only further contributes to his own self incrimination. By demanding to talk to Akron, Telesales, locate, and the shepherd, Oedipus unravels the mystery of his past and the death of king Also, revealing how fate controlled his life. Beginning with Telesales, Oedipus demands to know any Information that the prophet might have despite being told that the truth will not help. "How dreadful knowledge of the truth can be when there's no help in truths I knew this well, but did not act on it: else I should not have come. " (305-306) Oedipus then blames Akron for Terrains' response.
The two argue, and by doing so, Terrains' statement is further validated, and Oedipus' fate further sealed. After their argument, Oedipus talks to locate and despite her attempts to discourage Oedipus in finding Alias' killer, he continues to persist. "Set your mind at rest. If it is a question of soothsayers, I tell you that you will find no man whose craft gives knowledge of the unknowable. Here is my proof... " (665-669) The same argument occurred between the shepherd and Oedipus. The shepherd wanted to remain Indifferent; however, Oedipus' persistence led to the reveal of evidence that concluded Oedipus' search for
Also' killer. "If you must be told, then... They said It was Loss's child. " (1105-1106) Shortly after, locate commits suicide, and Oedipus blinds himself. The prophecy was fulfilled and Oedipus, trying
to control his destiny, becomes the victim of a Oedipus' experience depicts the argument of fate or fortune. Mortal man can analyze "Oedipus Rexes" in multiple perspectives and each time learn something new. To one, Oedipus' experience symbolizes how man cannot control his/her own destiny; that their life is predetermined by a superior deity, and the method of reaching one's destiny is irrelevant.
However, to another, Oedipus' experience could show how fate is only an aspect of ancient playwriting and various cultural beliefs. Despite the difference in opinions, all men can learn from "Oedipus Rexes". Whether or not fate exists, man should never stop trying to shape their lives the way they want it, and never settle for less. "Oedipus Rexes" is an ideal story that depicts the debate between fate and fortune. The story has one clear ending, but the inferred meaning behind the story has multiple perspectives. "Oedipus Rexes" allows the reader to decide how they view the story theme, while still being an enjoyable tragic play.
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