Introduction
There are several eternal questions, the answers to which have not been found yet. Every person has his/her own opinion on the point. One of such questions is the following: What rules our life: fate or our actions, which are inspired by the major traits of our characters? Though it is hard to answer this philosophic question, it is possible to prove a certain point of view, using some authoritative example. Such a highly authoritative source may be the play “Oedipus the King” by Sophocles, which has been considered one of the most well-known and respected dramatic masterpieces of imaginative literature for centuries. It is known that the plot of the drama is built around an awful tragedy in the life of the protagonist and his surrounding. The tragedy involves the two greatest sins and crimes: murder and incest. The finale of the play shows death and misfortune, which were caused by awful tricks of fate and concurrence of circumstances.
The role of prophets in the play
The great importance in the play, and the life of our forefathers, on the whole, was given to priests, who were recognized as mediators between common people and Gods, they were “chosen” people who could interpret the signs of fate, and they were greatly respected for that. In the play, the protagonist, Oedipus, frequently resorts to advice and instructions of prophets, oracles, and priests. They determine and rule the action of the characters. For instance, Tiresias, the blind prophet of Thebes, opens Oedipus the truth about the murderer of King Laius. Without this information, the action could have unfolded differently. Besides, it was a coincidence, that the prophet was blind, and Oedipus mentioned his blindness, provoking the prophet’s wrath: “This crime was planned and carried out by you, All but the killing; and were you not blind I’d say your hand alone had done the murder” (Hall 60). Fate determined the final punishment of the king; he became as blind as the prophet had been.
The concurrence of circumstances in Oedipus’s life
The action of the play omits the first part of the myth about king Oedipus, but later Jokasta tells the story to Oedipus, her husband, and son. It becomes evident, that his life was ruled by fate from the very beginning. It was his father, Laius, who obeyed the prophecy of the oracle and decided to kill his son, in order not to be killed by him. However, Laius failed in deceiving destiny, thus, proving, that no matter what you decide to do, the final result will be determined by destiny. Laius made a desperate step, deciding to kill his offspring. Still, the chain of coincidences led to his death: Jokasta proved to be too weak to kill her son, the servant was too kind as well, the shepherd found new parents for the boy. Besides, again it happens because of the terrible prophecy, that Oedipus abandons his step-parents, fearing to bring harm to them. Instead, he makes the prophecy come true, he kills his real father, Laius. Their encounter at a crossroads is also an accidental circumstance, causing the terrible murder.
Oedipus’s character
At the same time, it must be mentioned, that Oedipus’s character also contributed to the development of action. His resoluteness has constantly made him act; for instance, when he decided to abandon his parents, Polybus and Merope. His desire to be honest, fair, and avenging eventually led to the revelation of his crime against his real father. Sophocles wanted to show that even strong people could not deceive fate.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it may be stated, that “Oedipus the King” is a marvelous example proving the ancient Greek idea that life is ruled by fate alone. According to Sophocles’ view, a person should humbly obey destiny, as he is a mere puppet in the hands of fate, and all attempts to disobey it are sure to be doomed to failure.
Works Cited
Hall, Edith, ed. Antigone; Oedipus the King; Electra. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1994.