Who Is Oedipus Doomed By Destiny

In the play Oedipus Rex by Sophocles, the stage is set for what a tragic hero should embody. Greek tragedy serves the purpose to evict emotions of pity and fear out of the audience. This is done through the usage of dramatic irony and by means of having a relatable character. Oedipus, the protagonist of the play, is a man who unseemingly believes he can outrun his fate. At the start of the play he is plagued with arrogance and pride that builds him up to his belief of invincibility. As the story unfolds, Oedipus abruptly discovers how he is unable to escape his fate and how his own ignorance plays against him. Although Oedipus is doomed by destiny, his hubris and lousy decision-making skills made ultimately lead to his downfall.
In the beginning …show more content…
This valiant achievement not only awarded him the position of king, but a wife Jocasta too. Therefore everything seems to be falling into place for him. However, this is not the case as the truth arrives via Creon that King Laius was slain at the hands of one man. Coming as a shock to Oedipus he quickly exclaims “I pray the curse I laid on others falls on me” (Sophocles 14). In a subtle manner Oedipus hints that he is confident that no small matter or curse can disfigure him. Placing this curse upon himself is an example of proving his loyalty and dedication to the Thebian people. However, Oedipus disregards any idea that this curse will tie in with his future, illuminating his ignorance and overwhelming pride in …show more content…
For example, while seeking out the murderer of Laius he pursues Tiresias the prophet. When Oedipus confronts him, Tiresias is unwilling to reveal what fate has in store for him, knowing that the response will anger Oedipus. However, Oedipus will not take no for an answer. As a result, Tiresias states that “in ear, wit, eye, in everything art blind” (Sophocles 21). Despite Tiresias’ warnings and holding information from Oedipus for his own good, Oedipus remains oblivious and chooses to pursue his fate further. Moreover, Oedipus blames Tiresias as being a false seer and for not telling the truth, exhibiting his excessive pride in himself and poor decision making. Another case in point is the warnings that Jocasta issues Oedipus. Jocasta continuosly begs Oedipus to discontinue his search for answers about his fate. To this he responds “I cannot; I must probe this matter home” (Sophocles 58). This eventual act of ignorance Oedipus chooses to display marks the final strike in his fate. Both Tiresias and Jocasta advise Oedipus to terminate his quest of fate, but the ego he carried on his shoulders weighed more to him than did his actual