Oedipus The King: The Paradox Of Fate And Free Will

The paradox of destiny versus free will is evident in this play. Whereas all his actions are a determined effort to escape fate, they only bring him closer to his inevitable downfall. Thus begging the question, if all his actions were fated to fail, then did he have free will? It is ironical that Oedipus fleeing is an attempt to escape his destiny, meaning he does believe in fate. If we argue that he believes in fate, then he would have known that he could not flee from his destiny. However, if we argue that he believed he had free will, then he would not need to escape, he would have resisted fate in situ. The use of juxtaposition of blindness against sight further advances the irony. Oedipus is blind to his fate though he has sight and blinds himself after gaining insight. …show more content…
Compatibility argues that fate and free will can co-exist; the presence of fate is not an absence of free will. Human beings are free to choose their actions but within their disposition. Though some situations are out of their control, humans have free will to change these situations. By his future being foretold, Oedipus fate is determined even before his birth. However, Oedipus killing his father, marrying his mother, and gorging out his eyes are actions that are not coerced and he acts on his own free will. Despite his fate being foretold, Oedipus’ actions are by his own will; therefore, he has to take responsibility for his actions. Only by his taking responsibility can Thebes be delivered from the