The Role Of Fate And Fate In Oedipus - 1075 Words

In the current world, fate and destiny are not things to be believed in. Anyone who says so is often deemed as a fake or a fraud, which is usually true. In stories, however, things like fate and destiny play a large role. It is a common trope found in most novels. There are peaceful fates, but in the case of Oedipus, it was an unruly one, in which he was set on a path to his own demise. The story itself starts at the point in time in which all the Oracle of Delphi had told was true, but everyone was oblivious to it. Oedipus had already killed his father and married his mother, even bore children with her. It is a tragic end to who was once a glorious man, but one must think whether or not these chain of events happened because Oedipus†¦show more content†¦No matter what the people choose to do, the fate will always come to be true one way or another. Speaking of choice, one of the larger factors to Oedipus fate in the story is his father’s initial actions. â€Å"It a ll started when King Laius decided to consult the Oracle at Delphi to learn if he and his wife would ever have children.† (â€Å"Oedipus†, Greek Mythology) a summary of Oedipus says. â€Å"To avoid the prophecy, Laius told his servants to pierce the babys ankles†¦then gave the baby to one of their shepherds, telling him to leave the baby in the mountains to die.† (â€Å"Oedipus†, Greek Mythology). He immediately tries to escape his prophecy, an example of how free will can be confused with fate. Rather than accept it, or worry for that of his son’s, he is selfish and makes a rather harsh decision. Of course, fate takes its role and the baby does not die, but this little detail of the story shows readers how fate takes things into its own hands, and that despite Laius’ efforts, it wins. He cannot control it, and neither can Oedipus. Another detail that is learned later in the actual play, is how King Laius came to know of the prophecy fir st. Thinking about this, one can conclude that he would not have done that if he had never been told of the prophecy. It is a paradoxical kind of situation, because without the prophecy being told out loud to a man who is a part of it, the exact events would not have happened in that order. It is interestingShow MoreRelatedThe Role of Fate in Oedipus Rex Essay813 Words   |  4 PagesIn Oedipus Rex, fate is something that unavoidably befalls two characters. The gods decide Oedipus and Jocasta’s fate even before they know it. Trying to avoid destiny is pointless because no matter what, it will catch up to you where ever you are. It is often thought that you can change your destiny, but in reality our fate was put into action the day we were born. Throughout the play, Oedipus tries to change his fate. 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