Free Will In Sophocles Oedipus The King

Benjamin Disraeli wrote, “Circumstances are beyond control of man; but his conduct is in his own power,” in his book, Contarini Fleming. In other words, a man cannot control the situations of everything that happens in both the world and in his life; however the way he reacts to the circumstances in his own power. This quote is true to the characters of many works; none were able to forcefully change the circumstances of their surroundings. Even then, they were able to behave however they wanted to, which would alter the environment and the outcome of their lives. The same applies to Sophocles’ Oedipus the King-- he was presented with many situations he couldn’t control, but was able to react to them based on his own judgement.
Oedipus, a

His destiny was predetermined by the gods who created him. He was born a child with many flaws and would be a child who would cause many wrongdoings. According to Apollo, he should be destroyed immediately and be thrown away in the mountains to be left to die. But, because of the kindness and pity from the Shepherd, Oedipus’ life is saved. This horrible prophecy made him an unwanted child with a sealed fate that scared both his mother and father right from the beginning. Jocasta tells him about his childhood, saying, “three days old and the boy’s father… had a henchman fling him away.” (201 790). No one was able to change his fate, so Laius wanted Oedipus killed the third day he was born. Because his future is set, he will be in situations he isn’t able to control. Though he still has a sense of behavior, it will not change his outcome. Apollo predicts that Oedipus will unknowingly, kill his father, Laius, and have intercourse with his mother, Jocasta. As Oedipus matures, he becomes aware of the appalling prophecy surrounding his life. He says, “Apollo told me once, I must make love with my mother, shed my father’s blood with my hands”, ( 217, lines 1100) and acknowledges the face he was aware of the life he had been given. Despite the lack of power he had to change these circumstances, he still tried very hard to prevent the fulfillment of such actions. He fled his hometown and escaped