Oedipus

Some arguments i have so far are:

His decisions were moulded and affected by the revelation of the prophecy

He chose to believe in the prophecy and that subjected him to his fate

He posesses a critical weakness (hubris) that affected his actions and evetually led to his fate

He could not escape his destiny. He thought running away would help him, would change his fate, but in the end it was the one things that greatly contributed to his inevitable doom. I feel for him, he tried. But it is a piece that shows just how powerful destiny is and just how small and powerless we may very well be.

Why do we cling to hope when we can do nothing about our destiny? Sophocles says, 'it's a terrible thing to be wise when there's nothing you can do,' Does that mean ignorance is bliss? The answer is of course not that simple.

Oedipus was doomed before his birth. And we can't say it's his fault. What can you do if gods have already decided what's to be done with your life? You can't thwart your destiny. Even if you try to alter it, you won't succeed. However, one of the questions that has always bothered people after reading Oedipus Rex is: Is there justice in a world, where for no reason clear to ethical understanding, the worst happens to the best?

We often hear whatever happens, it happens for the best. It's not so. Pick up any newspaper & you would know it. Yes, the tragedy of Oedipus is way too much for those who want to stay in a state of denial. Some are predestined to suffer & the strange thing is that they may not be such bad humans. We know that fiction has to make sense, but what happens in real life is far worse & unbelievable. Usually people hide their stories & maybe they don't have any other option. People just don't understand a tragedy till it happens to them.

Anyway, I was going through this play yesterday & these are some of the lines that I would like to share:

Teiresias: I did not want to speak, but you incited me.

Oedipus: What do you mean? Speak it again, so I can understand you more precisely.

Teiresias: Did you not grasp my words before, or are you trying to test me with your question?

...

Oedipus: Do you really think you can just speak out, say things like this, & still remain unpunished?

Teiresias: Yes, I can, if the truth has any strength.