Destiny, Fate, Free Will and Free Choice in Oedipus the King - Avoidance of Prophecy :: Oedipus the King Oedipus Rex

Avoidance of Prophecy in Oedipus Rex Oedipus Rex illustrates the Greek concept that trying to circumvent prophets predictions is futile. The tamper includes three main prophecies the one made to Laius concerning his death by the hands of his son, a similar one directed to Oedipus, and one made by Tiresias anticipation Oedipus discovery of the murderers identity. Both recipients of these oracles attempt to avoid their destinies, but both wind up following the paths which the Fates obligate prescribed. Laius had received a bode which declares that doom would strike him at the hands of his son.... Jocasta, in an attempt to ease Oedipus worries, endeavors to defame prophesy in general by describing Laius apparent circumvention of the augury. When Laius son wasnt yet three days old, the king had the infants ankles fastened together, and then gave the boy to a henchman to be flung onto a barren, trackless mickle Jocasta believes her son dead. Laius had believed that by killi ng his only son, he would be able to avoid the oracles prediction. However, the shepherd entrusted with the terrible task of infanticide pitied the baby and gave him to other shepherd, who, in turn, donated the claw to the King and Queen of Corinth. The boy, Oedipus, was raised as the son of King Polybus and Queen Merope, and still believes himself to be their issue even as Jocasta relates the ironical story of his own previous death. Oedipus, of course, finds out that it was indeed his own, true father, Laius, that he has killed at the crossroads at Phocis. Laius attempt at foiling fate didnt work Oedipus killed him because of a slight insult. Because Laius felt to shameful to kill the infant himself, he took a risk in hoping that his loyal shepherd would murder the child for him. That risk allowed Oedipus to live and, therefore, to kill his own father without knowing his true identity. Had Laius not attempted to have his newborn 1 killed, the boy still would have caus ed his fathers death somehow, because the oracles are never wrong, and most Greeks realize theres no way to escape fate. Oedipus also tries to avoid his fate, which he had received from Apollos oracle at Delphi. While Oedipus lived as Prince of Corinth, a drunken