GradeSaver (tm) ClassicNotes Oedipus Rex or Oedipus the King: Study Guide

Oedipus Rex or Oedipus the King Forum

Join the discussion about Oedipus Rex or Oedipus the King by creating a new topic or replying to an existing topic. You may also view GradeSaver's College Discussion Forums or other Novel Discussion Forums.

"gods are just and Oedipus is at fault"

This seems to be a very controversial issue. Are the Gods just with Oedipus?
Has Oedipus all the fault in his sin?
  What do you think?
   Answer please
Posted by vanesa v #42673 at Jun 18, 2007 1:25 PM || Report this post || Reply

Both Oedipus and his parents made the mistake of believing they could outwit the gods.  Laius and Jocasta try ot avoid the prophesy of the oracle by sending their baby son out to die.  Oedipus tries to avoid the same prophesy by running away from Corinth, where he believes his parents live.  It fails.  In fact, Oedipus's apparent escape actually leads him to the road to Thebes, where he meets his father and carries out the prophesy he tried to avoid. 

The "fault" is trying to get around the gods.  It won't work.  This is the whole point of the play.  Whether the gods are just with Oedipus comes out in the succeeding plays, Oedipus at Colonus and Antigone.  Oedipus becomes a great prophet, physically blind but able to see the truth as no other man.
Posted by coco s #17435 at Aug 21, 2007 10:49 AM || Report this post || Reply

 

You must login to post to this topic.

Existing Users

New Users

Must contain six characters and at least one digit.

Related Content for Oedipus Rex or Oedipus the King