Oedipus and Fate

Is the future pre-determined? This question has existed over time and plagued the literary world, but most notably in Greek and Roman tragedies. The tragedy, Oedipus Rex, is one specific myth that stands out as being based on prophecy and fate. The author, Sophacles, exaggerated on certain aspects of faith, but through his writing he made many correct observations concerning destiny. This is shown through Oedipus’ unavoidable life experiences and his attempts to flee from them. Through his work, Oedipus Rex, he displays that free will is just an illusion, thus destiny determines everything.
Prophecy is a central part of Oedipus’ life path. The play begins with the return of Kreon from Delphi, where he has learned that the plague will be lifted if Thebes banishes the man who killed Laius. Tiresias the prophesies the capture of one and brother to his own children. From this point Oedipus’ fate has already been decided before it is even acknowledged that he will be the f...