Oedipus: Fate vs. Free Will

In Oedipus the King, one of Sophocles' most popular plays, Sophocles clearly depicts the Greek's popular belief that fate will control a man's life despite of man's free will. Man was free to choose and was ultimately held responsible for his own actions. Throughout Oedipus the King, the concept of fate and free will plays an integral part in Oedipus' destruction.
Destined to marry his mother and murder his father, Oedipus was partly guided by fate. This prophecy, as warned by the Oracle of Apollo at Delphi, was absolute and would inevitably come to pass. As for free will, Oedipus' actions, temper, impulsive nature and pride (hubris) as well as his erroneous judgment (hamartia) all contributed to his eventual downfall.
At the beginning of the tragedy, Oedipus was made aware of his destiny. Immediately after receiving the news, Oedipus fled Corinth and headed for Thebes thinking he could escape his fate. Unknowingly, Oedipus had just begun to......

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Title: Oedipus: Fate Vs. Free Will
Approximate Word Count: 586
Approximate Pages: 3 (250 words per double-spaced page)

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