Destiny & Character - Discuss in relation to the stories of Gilamesh, Oedipus the king, and The Tradegy of Sohrab and Rostam.

The first 200 words of this essay...

Destiny & Character

By Chris Chan

English 2110

Destiny & Character

Destiny can be defined as a predetermined course of events that is beyond human power or control. It is considered a force which creates, shapes, guides, rewards, and afflicts human life. The elements of a character's true personality and attitude make that fate a reality and force the destiny to become the destination. The stories of Gilgamesh, Oedipus the King, and The Tragedy of Sohrab and Rostam all teach the readers that destiny and character are intertwined.

In Sophocles' Oedipus the King, destiny and Oedipus' actions determines the ultimate fate. Oedipus tells the Messenger: "Apollo told me once - it is my fate - I must make love with my own mother / shed my father's blood with my own hands" (418). Oedipus learns this at a young age and desperately attempts to change his fate. He leaves Corinth, where he believes his real parents reside at, thinking he is escaping his unwanted future. Oedipus says, "I heard all that and ran. I abandoned Corinth" (413). Instead of running away from his troubles, he puts the element of