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Role Of Fate And Free Will In Oedipus Rex - Research Paper

Role Of Fate And Free Will In Oedipus Rex

The ancient Greeks believed that a trio of goddesses known as the Fates or Moirae controlled a person’s destiny. These goddesses were thought to be the daughters of either Night or Zeus and Themis and were traditionally portrayed as old women. The first daughter was Clotho, the spinner of life, symbolized by a spindle; the second daughter was Lachesis, the giver of lots, symbolized by a scroll or globe; and the third daughter was Atropos, the unbending one, who cut the thread of life and was symbolized by scales or shears. The decisions of the three Fates were final and unalterable. However, within this context, the ancient Greeks also believed in free will, which ultimately allowed ...

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man could strike off in a new direction at any time by making a choice, his actions would still inevitably lead to his fate. In short, one’s choices affected little more than the where and when of one’s predetermined destiny, but due to the fact that the individual possessed the freedom of choice, the Greeks believed that he bore all responsibility for his actions, and ultimately for the realization of his fate, as well. Equipped with this knowledge of the ancient Greek concept of fatalism and free will, it becomes easier to understand the role of fate in Oedipus’ misfortune. Oedipus’ misfortune was not entirely the result of his choices, nor entirely the fault of the Fates; rather, it was a combination of the two.
Oedipus’ misfortune is the product of his own poor choices. The prophecy stated only that he was destined to kill his father and marry his mother. Everything that occurs beyond its fulfillment is of Oedipus’ own doing, and his alone. Oedipus is not fated to issue ...

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Role Of Fate And Free Will In Oedipus Rex. (2007, April 12). Retrieved June 17, 2025, from http://www.essayworld.com/essays/Role-Fate-Free-Will-Oedipus-Rex/63216

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"Role Of Fate And Free Will In Oedipus Rex." Essayworld.com. April 12, 2007. Accessed June 17, 2025. http://www.essayworld.com/essays/Role-Fate-Free-Will-Oedipus-Rex/63216.

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PAPER DETAILS

Added: 4/12/2007 12:21:19 AM
Category: Arts
Type: Premium Paper
Words: 761
Pages: 3

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