Are people truly responsible for their actions? This has been debated all throughout history. In Ancient Greek times, fate determined a persons entire life, and is the will of the gods. Today, fate is less acknowledged and more people choose to believe that every decision made, leads to their future. One man, named Oedipus, suffered first hand from fate. From birth, he was destined to kill his father and wed his mother. Despite countless attempts to free him from this prophecy, it still came true. The play Oedipus the King by Sophocles explores fate and free will in order to demonstrate the consequences of one’s actions. This theme is illustrated through plot, characters, and symbolism.
Firstly, it is arguable that Oedipus exercised free will when he was intent on figuring out the past, even though suggested not to. “You gods, pity me. You are all powerful. But let me never see that day. Oh let me vanish without trace from this earth rather than know the fate that makes me loathed amongst mankind” (Sophocles, i.790-793).This was said when Oedipus found out that his prophecy came true. Due to his arrogance, Oedipus was persistent in finding the truth about Laius’
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“What god has cursed you with this ungodly fate ... you who were the most blessed of men? Oh wretched, wretched Oedipus, I cannot look upon you.Though I yearn to question and to learn, I must turn my eyes away in horror” (Sophocles, ii.415-419). Here, news spread that Oedipus killed his father. The chorus questioned the reason for his fate, as he was an admired king, who previously saved the city of Thebes. After learning this about himself, Oedipus maimed his eyes, causing them to be unable to look at him, illustrating their inability to continue to follow him. After his eyes were opened by the truth, he blinded himself as punishment, which symbolizes him not being able to see what clearly stood before