Fate In Oedipus: Free Will And Fate

Oedipus’ tragedy as a result of his freely made decisions

Are people truly responsible for their actions or they are just puppets in hand of Gods or people and executors of the fate that is pre-recorded? The question of determinism towards free will has occupied humankind almost over the centuries. Usually fate is defined as something that unavoidably befalls the individuals and influence their decisions and actions. In ancient Greece the religion played important role in everyday-life of the Greeks. The concept of fate had the prominent place in the Greek religion. Therefore, many wise ancient Greeks like Democritus, Aristotle, pondered the influence of the divine over the human acts and the possibility of escaping or changing destiny.

Ancient playwrights left their significant contribution to understanding the tension between individual action and fate. In this light, Sophocles was one of the most original and most fruitful writers. Unlike his

His character and temper are depicted in his relentless persistence for seeking the truth. After the initial decision to find the murderer of Laius, Oedipus sets off a series of decisions and events that lead to his tragic discovery and downfall. The first obstacle is old Teiresias “master of the wise and hidden mysteries,” whom Oedipus poses many questions in order to find out the answer. Teiresias provokes Oedipus, alluding to his sin, but avoids telling him the truth. After being irritated and aggravated Oedipus becomes rough and starts insulting blind man. In anger and wrath Oedipus pronounces serious insult: “offspring of the endless Night, you have no power over me or any man who sees the sun.” (lines 386-387) He challenged Teiresias correlating him with Creon and the alleged conspiracy they create. Although warned by Teiresias, Oedipus insists that his duty is to