Comparing Oedipus The King 'And My Father'

Man the Knower was not meant to survive in our world. Man must first know this fact and then accept that the consequences that will inevitably come are a result of their actions as there is no way to avoid it. In Oedipus The King, man unavoidably leads himself to his own fate by dangerously pursuing knowledge. When paired, William Stafford‘s themes of human knowledge and it’s unavoidable connection to fate in his poem “My Father: October 1942” strengthen Sophocles’ tale of Oedipus and his dangerously persistent human mind as well as man’s connection to fate; men ultimately lead themselves to their own ruin.

Stafford’s poem “My Father: October 1942” illustrates that humans are unknowingly and unavoidably destined to deliver themselves to their

Knowledge is not an easy cross to bear. Man must first know this fact and then accept that the consequences that will inevitably come are a result of their actions. In some of the first lines of the play, Oedipus declares, “I am Oedipus” (8). Yet, Oedipus has no idea who he is or where he came from. While finding Laius’ killer, Oedipus begins to seek the truth of his origin. Oedipus wants to truly “know thyself”. Once the truth reveals itself, Oedipus juxtaposes his initial statement from the first lines of the play by proclaiming,“It’s mine alone, my destiny-I am Oedipus” (1496) At this point, Oedipus truly understands who he is and what he has done. Oedipus has “ cropped the very root of his existence” (1641) and he is in pain because of it. He truly understands that only he and his pursuit of knowledge have caused this suffering. Oedipus takes responsibility for his actions, saying, “But the hand that struck my eyes was mine, / mine alone-no one else- / I did it all myself! / What good were eyes to me?” (Lines 1469-1472). Oedipus takes responsibility for his actions by blinding himself. He blinded himself because what good were eyes to him if he did not see that Jocasta is his mother and that he is ultimately bringing himself to his own downfall. Oedipus understands that his fate is inevitable and that he must ultimately and fatally own whatever is his. Men live in a world not made for Man The Knower and can truly do nothing to escape their fate, since their fate cannot be escaped, men must choose to own their actions. Unfortunately, this task is not easy, knowledge is as painful as fate is inescapable. Oedipus realizes that knowledge can be destructive and claims, “Oblivion- what a blessing . . .” (Lines 1522). Oedipus has to blame himself because he knew and he still couldn’t avoid his fate. Oedipus desperately wishes for oblivion, freedom of the knowledge and responsibility that comes with an unavoidable