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Oracle In Oedipus Rex Essay

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Examine and explore the role of the Oracle in Oedipus Rex.
The Greek tragedy ‘Oedipus the King’ flaunts a variable amount of thematic preoccupations, however the theme of fate and destiny is central to the drama. Throughout the Sophoclean play, fate is ultimately represented through the omnipotent Oracle, which inevitably foreshadows each character’s destiny, especially the drama’s main character - Oedipus Rex. The play as a drama ultimately deals with the ways in which each character deals with the world they are in, and the messages they receive. The Oracle proves almighty in Oedipus’ downfall from the hubristic, fast acting King of Thebes, to a man betrayed by his actions through his own personal fault. In this essay I will examine and explore the Oracle itself, …show more content…

Oedipus fails bluntly to truly understand the true meaning of the Oracles prophecy, that his father will die at his hand, and that he will marry his mother.
Without the Oracle, Oedipus’ oblivion would have seen him stay with Polybus and Merope in Corinth and this would have prevented the patricide of King Lauis, and his marriage to Jocasta would not have occurred. However, due to the overwhelming strength in influence held by the Oracle over Oedipus and its worshippers, Oedipus blindly ran away from Merope and Polybus, straight into his tragic fate. This in turn reflects the powerful influence the Oracle had on people in ancient times, and the strong belief these people devoted to the Oracle. As Oedipus journeys his way to Thebes, he encounters a man and his party, at a crossroads. The crossroad itself may be seen as a symbol in relation to the Oracle, generally crossroads are associated with making crucial decisions in life, with regards to the drama, Oedipus was unaware of the doomful decision he was making, and with that decision, came detrimental consequences. It may also symbolise the path

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