How Does Oedipus Cause His Own Downfall

Comparative Essay: Oedipus Rex The role of fate is the power that determines the outcome of events as well as the actions of how people choose what they want to do can contribute to a breakdown of a person. In Oedipus Rex by Sophocles, Oedipus’ own actions through his life contribute to his downfall at the end of the play. It is Oedipus choice to look for answers of his childhood. Oedipus’ blindness to the truth of his life causes him to make a decision to become blind at his downfall. The excessive pride Oedipus has results in his decision to going after king Laios murderer not knowing he is the murderer. The actions of Oedipus are factors in his downfall as he chooses to fill in missing information of his childhood. Oedipus has a sense of curiosity about his childhood and he looks for the answers. As a child, he experiences an event with an inebriated man who tells Oedipus that he is not the son of his parents, Polybus and Meropê. Oedipus, perplexed and annoyed, he asks his parents if this is an
Teiresias says “But I say that you, with both your eyes, are blind” to Oedipus that even though he has sight, he is blinded by the truth of his life and Teiresias has sight of Oedipus life through his blind eyes. Teiresias can see the “wretchedness” of Oedipus’ life even though he is completely blind physically. Similarly, the fate and his blindness of Oedipus come true at his breakdown. Oedipus’ blindness of not knowing the truth about his life causes his fate to come true at his breakdown. Teiresias, who is physically blind uses his mental vision to see the truth and fate of Oedipus. Oedipus is not using his mental vision to seek the truth of his life and when he does seek the truth he blinds himself physically to not endure the pain of fate. Oedipus states this while he blinds himself with his wife’s