Oedipus The King Essay
Through analysis on the play Oedipus Rex by Sophocles, I found that my understanding was deepened by my knowledge of major themes shown through Sophocles’ use of symbolism, paradox, and setting. This led to a deeper understanding regarding existentialism and man’s pursuit for knowledge itself. During a discussion on symbolism, Oedipus’ fate was linked to a quote by Randy Pausch: “We cannot change the cards we are dealt, only how we play the hand.” One of the themes Sophocles makes prevalent throughout his work is the relationship between fate and free will. Ancient Grecians may have begun to believe that they could control their own destinies, as the god Apollo had once tricked the three fates in order to escape his destiny. This idea is discredited by Oedipus and King Laios. Oedipus and his father both make attempts to escape their fates: King Laios attempted to murder his son, while Oedipus left behind his adoptive parents in an attempt to save them from the horrid fate he believed to be destined for them. However, Laios is still killed by his son, and Oedipus still bores children with his mother. In relation to the quote, I can understand that the fate dealt to us is unavoidable, but its execution has many possible paths. Further symbolism comes from the three roads where Oedipus unknowingly slays his father, King
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Laios. In discussion it was learned that the three roads symbolize the past, present, and future, or the three fates. Oedipus is confronted by all three on these roads as he sets in motion the prophecy from his past, and brings forth his downfall. This shows the audience that fate is as inescapable as the flow of life, and is a reminder that every choice has consequences. The paradox of blindness and sight is prevalent throughout Sophocles’ work, as was determined in discussion.
In Ancient Greece, this paradox was represented through the Seer Teiresias. One myth says that Hera blinded Teiresias as punishment when he took Zeus’ side in an argument. In pity, Zeus gave Teiresias a heightened sense of sight (knowledge). Oedipus’ ignorance is represented by his physical sight, but he is punished by both his ignorance, and his knowledge of his prophecy fulfillment. This suggests to both Ancient Grecians and audiences today that their need for knowledge of their fate is destructive, as they are powerless to change
it.
Laios. In discussion it was learned that the three roads symbolize the past, present, and future, or the three fates. Oedipus is confronted by all three on these roads as he sets in motion the prophecy from his past, and brings forth his downfall. This shows the audience that fate is as inescapable as the flow of life, and is a reminder that every choice has consequences. The paradox of blindness and sight is prevalent throughout Sophocles’ work, as was determined in discussion.
In Ancient Greece, this paradox was represented through the Seer Teiresias. One myth says that Hera blinded Teiresias as punishment when he took Zeus’ side in an argument. In pity, Zeus gave Teiresias a heightened sense of sight (knowledge). Oedipus’ ignorance is represented by his physical sight, but he is punished by both his ignorance, and his knowledge of his prophecy fulfillment. This suggests to both Ancient Grecians and audiences today that their need for knowledge of their fate is destructive, as they are powerless to change
it.