What actions in Oedipus The King were fated? What actions were freely chosen?
In the work of literature “Oedipus The King” we can see the theme of fate and free will present. There are destinies that are determined by oracles. Some of the characters chooses to act on their own free will which results of these actions are tragic. For example, Oedipus the main character he was fated to kill his father and marry his mother. Something he did not know. In the following evidence we can see the fate of Oedipus when Jocasta says “An oracle was reported to Laios once. That his doom would be death at the hands of his own son, His son, born of his flesh and of mine” (Oedipus The King) In this evidence we can see how Jocasta revels the fate that was predetermine for Oedipus by the gods. Moreover, Oedipus did many actions that were freely chosen by him and had a negative impact on his life. In lines 334-336, Oedipus declares “You would provoke a stone! Tell us, you villain, tell us, and do not stand there quietly unmoved, unhelpful, set on doing nothing” (Oedipus The King 86). This evidence proves that the insults and arrogance that Oedipus decided to act were freely chosen. His reaction affected the respect Teiresias had for him. Moreover, also the attitude that Oedipus had towards Creon. This is proved when Creon says “”My sister: Oedipus, your husband thinks he has the rights to do terrible things to me- he is choosing between either banishing or killing me.” In this evidence proves how Oedipus wants to banish Creon. This is an action that is being freely chosen by Oedipus. His fury and arrogance are taking over his head and it wants him to take decisions without thinking about its consequences.