Oedipus

Oedipus the King by Sophocles was a true example of a tragedy, one whose theme of fate and free will are very strong through out the play. To the Ancient Greeks, fate was a part of life, a part that was already written and sealed. One cannot escape from fate; it is a power beyond human control. But it was fate and free will that both decided the outcome of this tragedy.The outcome that befalls Oedipus is presented in a way that allows the reader to comprehend the true pain and torture that this truth has brought on. His anguish over having to put his daughters through losing their mother as well as to having to deal with their fathers public disgrace, his despair over the suicide of his wife and his loss of respect from the people he once ruled lead him to maim himself in such away that he would suffer for the rest of his life.I would recommend Oedipus the King as an interesting read, but probably would not read other works by this author unless I was required to.

Submitted by Claire Doherty