The classic tragedy written by Sophocles, known as Oedipus Rex, is a story of a man with a more than unfavorable destiny. Oedipus’ misfortunate life not only affects himself, but the lives of the people around him. The distress that is brought by Oedipus impacts the citizens of Thebes as well as his family. As a tragic hero, Oedipus has a fate that conducts the suffering of others regardless of his good-willed actions. The tragic truths of Oedipus’ life unravel as the drama progresses, revealing the extent of his agonizing fortune and furthermore bringing anguish to those around him.
Being the king of Thebes, Oedipus has a responsibility to care for his people. When there is a plague, Oedipus is aware that his subjects need help, saying, “[a]h
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He mentions how he tried to escape the destiny that was set for him. He already believed that he made his own fate after hearing his own prophecy “[s]aying I should wed my mother, and produce a race intolerable for men to see, and be my natural father’s murderer. When I heard that… I fled, an exile” (29). By trying to go against his destiny, he became unaware of what he had really done and neglected to realize that his prophecy came true. After discovering that his parents were not his actual parents but his adoptive ones, Oedipus gravely realizes that he has mistakenly followed his destiny. Oedipus cries out in despair, “Woe! Woe! It is all plain, indeed! O Light, this be the last time I gaze on thee, who am I revealed to have been born of those of whom I ought not - to have wedded whom I not - and slain whom I might not slay!” (42). Meanwhile, Jocasta has too realized the truth and ended her life in a state of shock. Seeing her dead, Oedipus stabbed his own eyes out, angry and ashamed of himself for being wed to his own mother. Oedipus, humiliated with what he has done, believes he needs to leave Thebes and his children, asking Creon to take care of his daughters. Oedipus knows they will be disgraced because of