A Puppet Without Strings
The theory behind fate or predetermination has been embedded in today’s society partially due to literature. Sophocles’ Oedipus The King perpetuates this ideology that the title character pursues a path which happens to be foretold. Oedipus was determined to save his city and discover his identity, however he ultimately assists in his own downfall. An Oracle reveals that Oedipus is destined to murder his father and marry his mother, and Oedipus, unable to face his unspeakable fate, chooses to flee his “home” in order to escape from it. Oedipus, whom believed he was running from his destiny, was actually led directly to it. Oedipus unknowingly fulfills the prophecy by marrying Jocasta, his ...
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Oedipus not to be overly presumptuous and assures him that the future will come of itself and the past will surface when need be. Initially, his rash, self-righteous internal character begins to surface and with his increased frustration Oedipus begins to adversely affect his relationships with others, particularly antagonizing his friends and respected members of the city. Oedipus’ detrimental behavior eventually leads to the realization of his true identity; this horrifying truth brings dishonor to his family and destroys his image in the eyes of the people. Oedipus finally emerges with his world in pieces and the mere thought of his abominable sins leaves him guilt-ridden; he is eventually overcome. Overall, in terms of the downfall of the king, Oedipus brought it upon himself, what he sought to find out was intentionally kept from him, in the words of the prophet Teiresias, “how terrible is wisdom when it brings no profit to the man that’s wise! (Page 23, line 316)”
At first, ...
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with the
seer, kill me I say, not only by your vote but my own. But do not
charge me on obscure opinion without some proof to back it.”
(Pg. 36, lines 600-609)
When Oedipus threatens to kill Creon, accusing him of trying to gain control of the throne, Creon rationally attempts to make sense of the situation. He has no reason to defend himself, for he is innocent; there is no evidence against him and Oedipus’ accusation is unfounded. It is Oedipus who is becoming more and more defensive as he is beginning to realize that the unspeakable may be true. He lashes out at those who merely state the facts; to him they are hard to accept as realities. But by doing so he has antagonized ...
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A Puppet Without Strings. (2006, January 19). Retrieved December 23, 2024, from http://www.essayworld.com/essays/A-Puppet-Without-Strings/39873
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"A Puppet Without Strings." Essayworld.com. January 19, 2006. Accessed December 23, 2024. http://www.essayworld.com/essays/A-Puppet-Without-Strings/39873.
"A Puppet Without Strings." Essayworld.com. January 19, 2006. Accessed December 23, 2024. http://www.essayworld.com/essays/A-Puppet-Without-Strings/39873.
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