The Role of Free Will in Oedipus the King

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The Role of Free Will in Oedipus the King

Fate is by definition the occurrence of inevitable events that are predestined to happen in a man’s life.  In literature, fate has a strong connection with the concept of free will because both can guide a character to a certain destiny.  In Oedipus the King, written by the Sophocles, Oedipus’s ominous fate of parricide and incest is prophesized by the Oracle at Delphi.  However, it is not fate that led to Oedipus’s destruction, but his overwhelming curiosity, impetuous actions, and irrational judgments.

Oedipus’s voracious curiosity forces him to discover the horrible truth of his crimes and ancestry.  His curiosity often sets him unsatisfied, and provokes him to investigate many gratuitous details.  In Corinth, a drunkard bawled out that Oedipus was “not [his] father’s son” (44)1.  Overwhelmed with frustration, Oedipus questions his parents about his identity.  Although he got the desired response, he still feels that “the thing had hatched a scruple in [his] mind” (44).  His superfluous curiosity encourages him to “steal away from home to Delphi, to the oracle” (44), where he then learns of the horrible prophecy.  This curiosity leads him to depart his safe homeland into a foreign land where he eventually meets his grievous end.  Oedipus’s copious curiosity is also presented when he stubbornly pursues his self-identity search.  Jocasta warns Oedipus to terminate his investigation for “[his] own life’s sake” (59).  However, spurring from his curiosity, Oedipus still chooses not to consider her warnings thoughtfully.  Not only do Oedipus’s curiosities contribute to his downfall, Oedipus’s hasty actions are also essential.

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Oedipus’s impulsiveness acts as a guide that pushes him to meet his own disastrous destiny.  When Oedipus left Corinth, he was “[forced] off the road” (44) by men who seemed to be urging on.  Without serious considerations of the men’s possible identities and intentions, Oedipus “in fury landed [one man] a blow” (44).  Eventually Oedipus kills all the men, including his real father, Laius.  This preventable issue is set as a foundation to Oedipus’s future tragedy.  As a leader, his actions also play a pivotal role in his future outcome.  When Creon comes back with information from Apollo, he asks ...

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