SlideShare a Scribd company logo
1 of 1
Download to read offline
Fate And Fate In Oedipus The King
Destiny hook
From birth, Oedipus, the Tragic Hero of Sophocles' play Oedipus Rex has been destined to kill his
father and marry his mother. Although by the opening act of the play, Oedipus has already earned
the throne of Thebes for solving the riddle of the sphinx, the greek hero is unaware that he has
already fulfilled the prophy. Meanwhile, the people of Thebes are dying of a plague that will only
end when the murderer of Laius, the previous Theban King, is punished. Through retrospection,
Oedipus believes that he might be responsible for Laius death and is told that the King and Queen
of Corinth who raised him were not his biological parents. In this passage, Jocasta, having already
discovered the truth that she is both Oedipus' mother and wife, warns Oedipus to go no further in
his path for self knowledge. But Oedipus ignores her warning and calls for the Shepherd, to learn
more about his mysterious lineage. This passage suggests that Oedipus' downfall is not the product
of fate but of his own free will. Sophocles employs characterization, word choice, and irony to
reveal how free will has led to tragedy.
To start, Sophocles uses characterization to reveal the role that free will has played in Oedipus'
destiny. After the chorus leader ominously warns Oedipus about what he might uncover about his
birth, Sophocles' dialog for Oedipus states "Let it burst! Whatever will, whatever must!"(19).
Although words such as "will" and "must" are typically indicators of fate, the passive verbiage in
this clause are indicative of Oedipus' stance on his involvement with his own tragedy. Oedipus
sees himself as allowing events to play out in their nature order or as fated. However, Sophocles'
presentation of Oedipus as a character reveals that he is the driving force of his tragic discovery
after sending for the Shepherd and ignoring the warnings of both Jocasta and the chorus.
Furthermore, as Sophocles' dialog continues, Oedipus reveals, "I will never see myself
disgraced"(26). Oedipus' pride in himself regardless of the class he was born into has led to him
ignore Jocasta's warning believing that she will be dismissive of him if he was born into low social
standing. This pride has also fueled Oedipus' determination to
Get more content on HelpWriting.net

More Related Content

More from Buy Dissertation Paper Minnetonka

More from Buy Dissertation Paper Minnetonka (20)

Why Soccer Is The Best Sport Essay
Why Soccer Is The Best Sport EssayWhy Soccer Is The Best Sport Essay
Why Soccer Is The Best Sport Essay
 
Essay On Animism
Essay On AnimismEssay On Animism
Essay On Animism
 
Cause Of Ww1
Cause Of Ww1Cause Of Ww1
Cause Of Ww1
 
Breat Cancer Screening Essay
Breat Cancer Screening EssayBreat Cancer Screening Essay
Breat Cancer Screening Essay
 
Gothic Elements In Gothic Literature
Gothic Elements In Gothic LiteratureGothic Elements In Gothic Literature
Gothic Elements In Gothic Literature
 
Marketing Research Essay
Marketing Research EssayMarketing Research Essay
Marketing Research Essay
 
The Importance Of Computer Aided Education
The Importance Of Computer Aided EducationThe Importance Of Computer Aided Education
The Importance Of Computer Aided Education
 
Polio Essay
Polio EssayPolio Essay
Polio Essay
 
Jesse Owens Research Papers
Jesse Owens Research PapersJesse Owens Research Papers
Jesse Owens Research Papers
 
Still Bowling Alone
Still Bowling AloneStill Bowling Alone
Still Bowling Alone
 
Accounting
AccountingAccounting
Accounting
 
Qualities Of An Effective Teacher
Qualities Of An Effective TeacherQualities Of An Effective Teacher
Qualities Of An Effective Teacher
 
Patient-Centred Care Essay
Patient-Centred Care EssayPatient-Centred Care Essay
Patient-Centred Care Essay
 
Chinese Art Essay
Chinese Art EssayChinese Art Essay
Chinese Art Essay
 
Thesis Statement For Death Penalty
Thesis Statement For Death PenaltyThesis Statement For Death Penalty
Thesis Statement For Death Penalty
 
General Research Perspective And Type
General Research Perspective And TypeGeneral Research Perspective And Type
General Research Perspective And Type
 
Example Of A Scholarship Essay Examples
Example Of A Scholarship Essay ExamplesExample Of A Scholarship Essay Examples
Example Of A Scholarship Essay Examples
 
Oedipus Rex Essay
Oedipus Rex EssayOedipus Rex Essay
Oedipus Rex Essay
 
Right Of Education In Pakistan
Right Of Education In PakistanRight Of Education In Pakistan
Right Of Education In Pakistan
 
Sponsored Silence Research Paper
Sponsored Silence Research PaperSponsored Silence Research Paper
Sponsored Silence Research Paper
 

Recently uploaded

ECONOMIC CONTEXT - LONG FORM TV DRAMA - PPT
ECONOMIC CONTEXT - LONG FORM TV DRAMA - PPTECONOMIC CONTEXT - LONG FORM TV DRAMA - PPT
ECONOMIC CONTEXT - LONG FORM TV DRAMA - PPTiammrhaywood
 
The basics of sentences session 2pptx copy.pptx
The basics of sentences session 2pptx copy.pptxThe basics of sentences session 2pptx copy.pptx
The basics of sentences session 2pptx copy.pptxheathfieldcps1
 
Software Engineering Methodologies (overview)
Software Engineering Methodologies (overview)Software Engineering Methodologies (overview)
Software Engineering Methodologies (overview)eniolaolutunde
 
The Most Excellent Way | 1 Corinthians 13
The Most Excellent Way | 1 Corinthians 13The Most Excellent Way | 1 Corinthians 13
The Most Excellent Way | 1 Corinthians 13Steve Thomason
 
Crayon Activity Handout For the Crayon A
Crayon Activity Handout For the Crayon ACrayon Activity Handout For the Crayon A
Crayon Activity Handout For the Crayon AUnboundStockton
 
Science 7 - LAND and SEA BREEZE and its Characteristics
Science 7 - LAND and SEA BREEZE and its CharacteristicsScience 7 - LAND and SEA BREEZE and its Characteristics
Science 7 - LAND and SEA BREEZE and its CharacteristicsKarinaGenton
 
Accessible design: Minimum effort, maximum impact
Accessible design: Minimum effort, maximum impactAccessible design: Minimum effort, maximum impact
Accessible design: Minimum effort, maximum impactdawncurless
 
KSHARA STURA .pptx---KSHARA KARMA THERAPY (CAUSTIC THERAPY)————IMP.OF KSHARA ...
KSHARA STURA .pptx---KSHARA KARMA THERAPY (CAUSTIC THERAPY)————IMP.OF KSHARA ...KSHARA STURA .pptx---KSHARA KARMA THERAPY (CAUSTIC THERAPY)————IMP.OF KSHARA ...
KSHARA STURA .pptx---KSHARA KARMA THERAPY (CAUSTIC THERAPY)————IMP.OF KSHARA ...M56BOOKSTORE PRODUCT/SERVICE
 
URLs and Routing in the Odoo 17 Website App
URLs and Routing in the Odoo 17 Website AppURLs and Routing in the Odoo 17 Website App
URLs and Routing in the Odoo 17 Website AppCeline George
 
Presentation by Andreas Schleicher Tackling the School Absenteeism Crisis 30 ...
Presentation by Andreas Schleicher Tackling the School Absenteeism Crisis 30 ...Presentation by Andreas Schleicher Tackling the School Absenteeism Crisis 30 ...
Presentation by Andreas Schleicher Tackling the School Absenteeism Crisis 30 ...EduSkills OECD
 
MENTAL STATUS EXAMINATION format.docx
MENTAL     STATUS EXAMINATION format.docxMENTAL     STATUS EXAMINATION format.docx
MENTAL STATUS EXAMINATION format.docxPoojaSen20
 
mini mental status format.docx
mini    mental       status     format.docxmini    mental       status     format.docx
mini mental status format.docxPoojaSen20
 
POINT- BIOCHEMISTRY SEM 2 ENZYMES UNIT 5.pptx
POINT- BIOCHEMISTRY SEM 2 ENZYMES UNIT 5.pptxPOINT- BIOCHEMISTRY SEM 2 ENZYMES UNIT 5.pptx
POINT- BIOCHEMISTRY SEM 2 ENZYMES UNIT 5.pptxSayali Powar
 
Interactive Powerpoint_How to Master effective communication
Interactive Powerpoint_How to Master effective communicationInteractive Powerpoint_How to Master effective communication
Interactive Powerpoint_How to Master effective communicationnomboosow
 
Alper Gobel In Media Res Media Component
Alper Gobel In Media Res Media ComponentAlper Gobel In Media Res Media Component
Alper Gobel In Media Res Media ComponentInMediaRes1
 
How to Make a Pirate ship Primary Education.pptx
How to Make a Pirate ship Primary Education.pptxHow to Make a Pirate ship Primary Education.pptx
How to Make a Pirate ship Primary Education.pptxmanuelaromero2013
 
_Math 4-Q4 Week 5.pptx Steps in Collecting Data
_Math 4-Q4 Week 5.pptx Steps in Collecting Data_Math 4-Q4 Week 5.pptx Steps in Collecting Data
_Math 4-Q4 Week 5.pptx Steps in Collecting DataJhengPantaleon
 

Recently uploaded (20)

ECONOMIC CONTEXT - LONG FORM TV DRAMA - PPT
ECONOMIC CONTEXT - LONG FORM TV DRAMA - PPTECONOMIC CONTEXT - LONG FORM TV DRAMA - PPT
ECONOMIC CONTEXT - LONG FORM TV DRAMA - PPT
 
The basics of sentences session 2pptx copy.pptx
The basics of sentences session 2pptx copy.pptxThe basics of sentences session 2pptx copy.pptx
The basics of sentences session 2pptx copy.pptx
 
Software Engineering Methodologies (overview)
Software Engineering Methodologies (overview)Software Engineering Methodologies (overview)
Software Engineering Methodologies (overview)
 
Model Call Girl in Bikash Puri Delhi reach out to us at 🔝9953056974🔝
Model Call Girl in Bikash Puri  Delhi reach out to us at 🔝9953056974🔝Model Call Girl in Bikash Puri  Delhi reach out to us at 🔝9953056974🔝
Model Call Girl in Bikash Puri Delhi reach out to us at 🔝9953056974🔝
 
The Most Excellent Way | 1 Corinthians 13
The Most Excellent Way | 1 Corinthians 13The Most Excellent Way | 1 Corinthians 13
The Most Excellent Way | 1 Corinthians 13
 
Crayon Activity Handout For the Crayon A
Crayon Activity Handout For the Crayon ACrayon Activity Handout For the Crayon A
Crayon Activity Handout For the Crayon A
 
Science 7 - LAND and SEA BREEZE and its Characteristics
Science 7 - LAND and SEA BREEZE and its CharacteristicsScience 7 - LAND and SEA BREEZE and its Characteristics
Science 7 - LAND and SEA BREEZE and its Characteristics
 
Accessible design: Minimum effort, maximum impact
Accessible design: Minimum effort, maximum impactAccessible design: Minimum effort, maximum impact
Accessible design: Minimum effort, maximum impact
 
KSHARA STURA .pptx---KSHARA KARMA THERAPY (CAUSTIC THERAPY)————IMP.OF KSHARA ...
KSHARA STURA .pptx---KSHARA KARMA THERAPY (CAUSTIC THERAPY)————IMP.OF KSHARA ...KSHARA STURA .pptx---KSHARA KARMA THERAPY (CAUSTIC THERAPY)————IMP.OF KSHARA ...
KSHARA STURA .pptx---KSHARA KARMA THERAPY (CAUSTIC THERAPY)————IMP.OF KSHARA ...
 
URLs and Routing in the Odoo 17 Website App
URLs and Routing in the Odoo 17 Website AppURLs and Routing in the Odoo 17 Website App
URLs and Routing in the Odoo 17 Website App
 
Presentation by Andreas Schleicher Tackling the School Absenteeism Crisis 30 ...
Presentation by Andreas Schleicher Tackling the School Absenteeism Crisis 30 ...Presentation by Andreas Schleicher Tackling the School Absenteeism Crisis 30 ...
Presentation by Andreas Schleicher Tackling the School Absenteeism Crisis 30 ...
 
MENTAL STATUS EXAMINATION format.docx
MENTAL     STATUS EXAMINATION format.docxMENTAL     STATUS EXAMINATION format.docx
MENTAL STATUS EXAMINATION format.docx
 
mini mental status format.docx
mini    mental       status     format.docxmini    mental       status     format.docx
mini mental status format.docx
 
POINT- BIOCHEMISTRY SEM 2 ENZYMES UNIT 5.pptx
POINT- BIOCHEMISTRY SEM 2 ENZYMES UNIT 5.pptxPOINT- BIOCHEMISTRY SEM 2 ENZYMES UNIT 5.pptx
POINT- BIOCHEMISTRY SEM 2 ENZYMES UNIT 5.pptx
 
Interactive Powerpoint_How to Master effective communication
Interactive Powerpoint_How to Master effective communicationInteractive Powerpoint_How to Master effective communication
Interactive Powerpoint_How to Master effective communication
 
Alper Gobel In Media Res Media Component
Alper Gobel In Media Res Media ComponentAlper Gobel In Media Res Media Component
Alper Gobel In Media Res Media Component
 
Model Call Girl in Tilak Nagar Delhi reach out to us at 🔝9953056974🔝
Model Call Girl in Tilak Nagar Delhi reach out to us at 🔝9953056974🔝Model Call Girl in Tilak Nagar Delhi reach out to us at 🔝9953056974🔝
Model Call Girl in Tilak Nagar Delhi reach out to us at 🔝9953056974🔝
 
9953330565 Low Rate Call Girls In Rohini Delhi NCR
9953330565 Low Rate Call Girls In Rohini  Delhi NCR9953330565 Low Rate Call Girls In Rohini  Delhi NCR
9953330565 Low Rate Call Girls In Rohini Delhi NCR
 
How to Make a Pirate ship Primary Education.pptx
How to Make a Pirate ship Primary Education.pptxHow to Make a Pirate ship Primary Education.pptx
How to Make a Pirate ship Primary Education.pptx
 
_Math 4-Q4 Week 5.pptx Steps in Collecting Data
_Math 4-Q4 Week 5.pptx Steps in Collecting Data_Math 4-Q4 Week 5.pptx Steps in Collecting Data
_Math 4-Q4 Week 5.pptx Steps in Collecting Data
 

Fate And Fate In Oedipus The King

  • 1. Fate And Fate In Oedipus The King Destiny hook From birth, Oedipus, the Tragic Hero of Sophocles' play Oedipus Rex has been destined to kill his father and marry his mother. Although by the opening act of the play, Oedipus has already earned the throne of Thebes for solving the riddle of the sphinx, the greek hero is unaware that he has already fulfilled the prophy. Meanwhile, the people of Thebes are dying of a plague that will only end when the murderer of Laius, the previous Theban King, is punished. Through retrospection, Oedipus believes that he might be responsible for Laius death and is told that the King and Queen of Corinth who raised him were not his biological parents. In this passage, Jocasta, having already discovered the truth that she is both Oedipus' mother and wife, warns Oedipus to go no further in his path for self knowledge. But Oedipus ignores her warning and calls for the Shepherd, to learn more about his mysterious lineage. This passage suggests that Oedipus' downfall is not the product of fate but of his own free will. Sophocles employs characterization, word choice, and irony to reveal how free will has led to tragedy. To start, Sophocles uses characterization to reveal the role that free will has played in Oedipus' destiny. After the chorus leader ominously warns Oedipus about what he might uncover about his birth, Sophocles' dialog for Oedipus states "Let it burst! Whatever will, whatever must!"(19). Although words such as "will" and "must" are typically indicators of fate, the passive verbiage in this clause are indicative of Oedipus' stance on his involvement with his own tragedy. Oedipus sees himself as allowing events to play out in their nature order or as fated. However, Sophocles' presentation of Oedipus as a character reveals that he is the driving force of his tragic discovery after sending for the Shepherd and ignoring the warnings of both Jocasta and the chorus. Furthermore, as Sophocles' dialog continues, Oedipus reveals, "I will never see myself disgraced"(26). Oedipus' pride in himself regardless of the class he was born into has led to him ignore Jocasta's warning believing that she will be dismissive of him if he was born into low social standing. This pride has also fueled Oedipus' determination to Get more content on HelpWriting.net