Oedipus Rex or Oedipus the King Forum

The themes (fundamental and often universal ideas exploring a literary work) of Sophocles' Oedipus Rex include: the willingness to ignore the truth, the limits of free will, and the idea of a tragic flaw. Oedipus, who is known throughout Thebes of his quick comprehension and clear- sightedness, (not to mention incredible intelligence) was unable to avoid the devastating prophecy and, as the Greeks believed, his fate. Does this, then, make Oedipus responsible for the chin-of-events and final outcome [self-inflicted blinding and banishment], or is he blameless? Exactly what is Oedipus' moral standing on the subject?

The play is reminder to all viewers that we cannot escape fate, no matter how hard we try. Jocasta and Laius were foolish to try to escape it, and look at how much tragedy their attempt created. Oedipus tries several times and fails. Teiresias tries to hide the truth, but even he cannot.

The real irony is that after all his pain, Oedipus becomes a wise and revered prophet. Through suffering at the hands of the gods, he becomes almost god-like himself.