Tragic Fall of Oedipus Rex Self-Inflicted or Fate

The tragic fall of Oedipus in Sophocles play Oedipus Rex is both self-inflicted and result of events drawn from his own destiny. First off early on in Oedipus life his first deadly mistake towards succeeding his self-inflicted downfall was the murder of his father the former king. In a blind rage without any motive, he kills Liaus and his men at a rode crossing. Fate may have had led him to that point but it was his own rage that resulted in his biggest mistake. Further evidence of his self-inflicted downfall Oedipus was at the hands of his own ignorance. This ignorance combined with his stubborn, determined attitude does not allow him foresight. This foresight would have led to some restraint in his decision and rash actions.†¦show more content†¦As Creon tries to convince him to go about things in a more timely, and sensible way Oedipus hears none of it and still pursues his march of getting to the bottom laying the blame elsewhere all along the way. As Creon and Teriesas both note suggestions to Oedipus involvement he still pursues further investigation without the littlest consideration at his own guilt. This lack of foresight, and understanding again is another cause to Oedipus self-inflicted downfall. However, there are many factors that contribute his downfall that he could not have prevented and were truly acts of fate and destiny. His self-assurance to his wisdom that was bred by his mother-wit and not by bird-lore (as he takes a stab at Teriesas pg 37) really comes to surface during his encounter with a riddling Sphinx. This inflated view of his wisdom later leads to his downfall. But it was only by fate that he ignorant Oedipus was awarded a IQ freebie from the Sphinx. By answering his riddle he stepped onto the path towards his soon to be place on the Theban throne. In addition to the Sphinx, the adoption of Oedipus when he was young and abandoned into the house of Polybus was too only a synergist factor in his rise to Kin gship. Had he been born and raised by the Shepard who found him, then his status would have refrained him heavily from succession his father. This too was an act of fate, and at the tender age of only a few weeks, Oedipus had no say into the events that were toShow MoreRelatedEssay The Tragic Fall Of Oedipus in Oedipus the King824 Words   |  4 PagesTragic Fall Of Oedipus Rex in Sophocles Oedipus Rex The tragic fall of Oedipus in Sophocles play â€Å"Oedipus Rex† is both self-inflicted and result of events drawn from his own destiny. First off early on in Oedipus’ life his first deadly mistake towards succeeding his self-inflicted downfall was the murder of his father the former king. In a blind rage without any motive, he kills Liaus and his men at a rode crossing. 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