It is apparent that Oedipus is a fictional character, but none the less Sophocles intended him to represent human motives and characteristics. The tragedy of Oedipus Rex is based upon the theme of self knowledge, and the acknowledgment of where ones fate lies. From the beginning of the play Sophocles points out one cannot escape their fate, and by trying to do so, they will actually induce it, and ultimately with more consequences than intended. For example Oedipus father, Laios tried to avoid the fate decreed that his son would kill him and marry his mother. Laios then sent his new born son Oedipus off to the mountains to die. By doing so and tr

Throughout the play the truth lies in front of Oedipus yet he fails to recognize its presence. It is clear however, that Oedipus was decreed an unlucky fate to kill his father and marry his mother due to his father and grandfathers crimes and to some extent this can be considered unjust cruelty on the god’s behalf. Never the less Oedipus acted freely in many instances ultimately inducing his own punishment proving he must take responsibility for his own actions. Although in these times everyone’s fate is set before they are born and ones fate is unavoidable, however ones actions are due to their freewill and this is where the divine and human realm comes into conflict. Even in modern times it is clear that everyone is responsible for their own actions and must face the consequences of their choices. After acknowledging the truth it is odd that Oedipus is the last to discover his own self knowledge of who he is and where he came from. His actions and disbelief in his fate lead to the death of his mother/wife, as well as the suffering he brought upon himself. Upon realizing the truth, Oedipus blinds himself. This was no punishment of the gods but rather a chain of his own actions that lead him to this self punishment. Oedipus was not destined to be banished and blinded, these were choices he made through self determination and were reflected in the prophecy. In order to over come his stubbornness and persistence Oedipus had to suffer and punish himself to ultimately learn who he was.

At the end of the play Oedipus walks away with a fatal realistic vision of the word, that all is controlled by the gods. H

Some topics in this essay:
Creon Oedipus, Oedipus Rex, Oedipus Oedipus, Teiresias Oedipus, self determination, own actions, throughout play, self knowledge, truth oedipus, , tragedy oedipus rex, divine human realm, son oedipus, actions lead, optimistic view, bring downfall, respected teiresias,