Oedipus Fate or Free Will
Oedipus’ Downfall - Fate or Free Will? Is man free to mold his own destiny, or is he just a mere object in the universe of fate? Throughout life many of us may be faced with the question, was it my fate or was it my free will? Greek philosopher, Aristotle said, “Man is free to strive to become all that is in him to become, or to become less. ... Whether man believes that fate controls his destiny or destiny controls his fate, his character is essentially what controls it. In Sophocles play, Oedipus the King, we are introduced to Oedipus, the protagonist, whose actions and fate are determined by him and ultimately lead to his downfall. Although the Oracle Apollo has predicted what will ultimately become of Oedipus, he does not control Oedipus’ life and actions. Oedipus determines his conduct by being the type of man he is and takes steps under free will. Oedipus’ decision to hear Creon’s message with others in attendance, his promise to avenge the king’s murder and his drive to learn the truth were all actions driven by his character and conducted under free will.