Thesis on "Sophocles: Oedipus the King Fate, Free Will"

Thesis 4 pages (1459 words) Sources: 3 Style: MLA

[EXCERPT] . . . .

Sophocles: Oedipus the King

Fate, Free Will, and Pride in Oedipus the King

Biographical Sketch

A noted Greek playwright, Sophocles is the author of over 100 plays who was both recognized in his time and appreciated centuries later, Sophocles is the writer of notable dramas such as Oedipus the King, Antigone, and The Woman of Trachis. In addition to play writing, Sophocles was religious, serving as the priest for two gods, and involved in his community, as he was involved in several levels of government. Sophocles, who was from a wealthy family, was able to study all of the arts in a "thriving Greek empire" ("Sophocles"). From an early age, he was identified as one with superior skills in this area. When entering his plays into contests, Sophocles always took home at least second place, and even defeated the famed Aeschylus during his first play competition. With a passion for the theater Sophocles even acted in his own plays, and was apparently more than competent ("Sophocles").

II. Introduction to Oedipus The King

Sophocles's play Oedipus The King is a story of fate and irony. Oedipus, the main character and king of Thebes, is devastated when he learns that he is a murderer who has inadvertently killed the old King Of Thebes and levied a curse on its inhabitants. He also realizes that he has born a child with his own mother and killed his father, who was the previous King of Thebes. What makes the story so tragic is that Oedipus does not seem to be one who would deserve such misfortune. In fact, John Gould points to the drama as a story that is full of irony and transformation, one in which the reader continues to make assumptions only to question them or eventually understand that they were incorrect. Through the writing of this play, Oedipus at the same time conforms to the genre of classic Greek tragedy, in addition to breaking that genre by completing a tragedy within one single work. While Sophocles presents a trilogy of Oedipus stories, he completes a singular tragedy in each play, extending the length and robustness of the drama ("Sophocles").

I. Critical Interpretation

One of the most frustrating issues for readers of Oedipus the King is the seeming innocence of Oedipus in the face of adversity. While Oedipus comes to a tragic end and discovers that he has fulfilled the various prophecies that were given about him, the reader cannot help but wonder what it was that Oedipus did that made him worthy of so much trouble. Was Sophocles simply trying to emphasize the importance of fate and the futility of avoiding it? Or, was the author suggesting that Oedipus had done something wrong for which he should be punished? A discussion of both sides of this debate can help rectify the important themes of the play, as well as making stunning implications humans' ideas about fate and free will.

One interpretation of Sophocles' work is that he is simply trying to emphasize the importance of fate, suggesting that no one has the power to change his or her fate, regardless of his or her circumstances. If this were the point of Sophocles's play, then, it would have been important for him to choose a character who had no visible flaws. At least at first glace, this seems to be true of Sophocles's protagonist, Oedipus. At the beginning of the play, Oedipus seems to be revered by his people. He calls his subjects his "children," and questions their sadness in a fatherly, authoritative tone, while referring to himself as their "world-renowned king" (Sophocles). This does not seem to be an inflated estimation of himself, as the priest returns Oedipus's attempt to comfort his subjects by calling Oedipus his "sovereign lord and king," and telling the king that he is bringing his supplications to the king's "hearth" (Sophocles). Despite the fact that Oedipus seems to be a competent ruler who has the confidence and hearts of his citizens, he ends up thwarted in every manner possible. Hearing a prophecy that he would kill his father and sleep with his mother, Oedipus leaves his hometown, only to end up fulfilling that prophecy precisely because he leaves. At the end of the play, Oedipus's wife Jocusta is dead, and Oedipus is shamed, having gouged out his eyes in anguish. The argument that Oedipus was… READ MORE

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