Document Title: The Role of Fate and character in the Downfall of Oedipus in Oedipus Rex

Paper code: 13115

The Role of Fate and character in the Downfall of Oedipus in 'Oedipus Rex'

For the Greeks, 'Fate' means the foretelling of what will happen. It is the essential part of Greek tragedies and epics and in the case of 'Oedipus Rex' it is not otherwise. As it is shown that the characters of the Greek tragedies are free but their freedom is tied with destiny.

In the play 'Oedipus Rex' fate plays an important role by controlling the destiny of the characters. It controls the characters, Jocasta, Laius and Oedipus, and pre-determines the major events in their lives. But in carrying out the plot Sophocles has shown that the characters are not altogether puppets in the hands of fate. As they are presented on the stage, they are free agents, freely choosing various actions.

Throughout Oedipus The King, Oedipus embarks on a journey to realize that he is the murderer of his father, Laius, and husband to his mother, Jocasta, making him a victim of what seems to be an inevitable fate. What makes this more tragic is that Oedipus, a seemingly good leader, tries to avoid his fate, but instead keeps inviting it over.

The Function of Fate in “Oedipus Rex”