Oedipus A Victim Of Fate Analysis

Ida Hernandez

ENGL.2336.02

Dr. Quintanilla

December 12, 2015

Was Oedipus a victim of fate or own free will? Oedipus was a victim of fate rather than a victim of his own free will. Oedipus was a culprit in his dysfunctional family history but chose life instead of death, unlike Iocaste, his mother and wife. Humans can overcome fate through suffering and Oedipus is an example of this statement. Laius and Iocaste, his parents, believed in the gods' prophesy over the human choice. Furthermore, by crippling Oedipus' feet and leaving him to die, they tried to commit infanticide. Oedipus' life-long suffering was created by cowardly acts that resulted in, Oedipus as a cripple and then as a parentless child trying to later find his true identity.

He was told his prophecy was that he will kill his father and marry his mother. Oedipus could have controlled his actions but because he had no intention of doing those things so he runs away to Thebes. Oedipus believed he was in control of his fate so has left Polybus and Merope his idea is that he will not kill one as well as marry the other. He does not know that the oracles know and that is that the two are not his birth parents. He left without explanation and all his questions would have been answered by his parents. After he realized that the prophecy was true and acknowledges all the things he has done, he was in awe. Iocaste believed the fate was untrue and it had not happen but as the oracle predicted, she discovers the truth and instantly kills herself. She believed she had full control over her life but ended up becoming a victim of fate herself. However, when Oedipus tries to discover what was happening to Thebes, He learns the truth from the blind prophet Teiresias.

Oedipus:

So tell me, when are you the wise seer? (410)

How is it that, when the singing hound was here, you never said how the citizens might be

But even if he does alter something from his previous story, not even thus, my lord, will he bring to(880) light Laius’ killer truly accomplished, who, indeed, Loxias said must die at the hands of my child. Yet my poor boy never slew him, but rather perished himself long before.

And so I would not look to prophecies,(885) not here or anywhere else.

OEDIPUS:

You reason well, but, nevertheless, send someone to fetch the servant, and don’t neglect it.

JOCASTA:

And soon I shall, but let us go inside the house, for I would do nothing but that it is your wish.(890)

Iocaste and Oedipus both had the idea that they were not living under the prophecy but after communicating and finding out otherwise, the two became victims of fate. In all reality, fate was a major belief and trying to run away or dismiss fate will only push you closer into the trap. Oedipus had no chance and was hit several times with fate. He tried to leave and outright his prophecy but ended up committing the crime. He could no longer run or change anything he had done because it was too late. He decided he would rather suffer instead of being sentenced to death and that is why he saved his