Throughout the play "Oedipus Rex," the playwright Sophocles, show's an underlying relationship between fate and free will. Both theories are intrinsic in Oedipus's destruction which has already been foretold. Sophocles uses the image of a crossroad as a primal symbol to show that man is free to choose and is ultimately held responsible for their own actions. Oedipus allowed the prophecy to a certain degree, to influence his ... so he unintentionally curses himself. "Now my curse on the murderer. Whoever he is, a lone man unknown in his crime or one among many, let that man drag out his life i...

• Word Count: 670
• Approx Pages: 3
• Grade Level: High School

... when he began to run into the conflicts that led him directly to his downfall. We see this when he came to the crossroad and his engagement with Laius. It was Oedipus" ego and pride, which he was full of, that kept him from letting the situation pass by. Then it was an arrogant decision that ... had slain he later declares that the killer of Laius will be brought to justice. It was then fairly presumptuous of him to think he can bring justice to a crime he is completely ignorant to. "To bring light to the killer of Laius," (L 264, pg 33), "No matter who it may be- (L 239, pg 32 ... ). I...

• Word Count: 1145
• Approx Pages: 5
• Grade Level: High School

... , sightless, senseless sot" This exposes a characteristic flaw in that he is without grace, and exhibits uncontrollable anger. If Oedipus had a serious harmatia, it was his hubris. The impetuous slaying of Laius could be attributed to Oedipus's pride and rash nature. Laius orders him out of the way at a crossroad, but Oedipus's pride, anger and temperament drives him to kill Laius for what he perceives as ... an insult. "the leader roughly ordered me out of the way It was the driver that thrust me aside and him I struck" Oedipus at that stage, should have ... for this, as they tried to ...

• Word Count: 1270
• Approx Pages: 5
• Grade Level: Undergraduate