Oedipus Rex is an interesting play. It is undeniable that the books that often attract my attention are always the ones with unique themes; something eccentric, forbidden, and somewhat wicked. For this play, the story consists of all of the above. I find it eccentric because Oedipus' biological parents would kill their only son because of a prophecy. I also think that it is forbidden due to the issue of incest. And it is wicked because he jabbed his own eyes.
It seems to me that during those days, prophecies are not taken lightly and that the oracles play an important part in the lives of the characters. Oedipus left home because it was predicted that he would kill his own father and bed his own mother. The irony here is that when he left Corinth, he is unconsciously leaving his sactuary and heading towards doom. In my opinion, if he had disregarded the prophecy, Oedipus would have not leave Corinth. And he would have not encounter the incident where he is forced to kill a man and his company. I think that circumstances would change if he ignored the words of the oracles.
The Greeks had so much respect for the gods that they heed to their commands and prophecies. Laios and Iocaste tried to skip Fate by attempting to kill their only son and heir. It's as if prophecies are meant to come true and there is no room fo r doubt. They go to great extent to run away from fate or destiny. But Laios' plan failed. It is clear that there is a greater power that controls all the forces of nature that led to Laios' demise in the hands of his own son (as told by the oracle). The story gets wicked when Iocaste realized that she has married her own son and bear his son's children. That fact prompted her to end her incestuous life. As predicted, Oedipus ends up a blind and broken man.
So, all these prophecy talk got me thinking. If Laios and Iocaste had taken care of Oedipus with great care and love like any parents would do, they would have had longer lives, instead of getting killed or married to Oedipus. It's like karma, what goes around, comes around. But, like I said, there is a greater power that can control one's actions, be it good or bad.
After reading and analyzing this play, I am convinced that some people do believe in Fate and prophecies. I do not condemn their beliefs but I think we are in control of our lives. We do not know the future and we are left in the dark not knowing what is going to happen the next minute. But we can decide on own our about what to do next. I know that we can plan for the future even though it would not turn up as how we expected it would be. And I know that believing soley in prophecies won't do us any good. I believe that determination and hard work will bring us a step further in life.
It seems to me that during those days, prophecies are not taken lightly and that the oracles play an important part in the lives of the characters. Oedipus left home because it was predicted that he would kill his own father and bed his own mother. The irony here is that when he left Corinth, he is unconsciously leaving his sactuary and heading towards doom. In my opinion, if he had disregarded the prophecy, Oedipus would have not leave Corinth. And he would have not encounter the incident where he is forced to kill a man and his company. I think that circumstances would change if he ignored the words of the oracles.
The Greeks had so much respect for the gods that they heed to their commands and prophecies. Laios and Iocaste tried to skip Fate by attempting to kill their only son and heir. It's as if prophecies are meant to come true and there is no room fo r doubt. They go to great extent to run away from fate or destiny. But Laios' plan failed. It is clear that there is a greater power that controls all the forces of nature that led to Laios' demise in the hands of his own son (as told by the oracle). The story gets wicked when Iocaste realized that she has married her own son and bear his son's children. That fact prompted her to end her incestuous life. As predicted, Oedipus ends up a blind and broken man.
So, all these prophecy talk got me thinking. If Laios and Iocaste had taken care of Oedipus with great care and love like any parents would do, they would have had longer lives, instead of getting killed or married to Oedipus. It's like karma, what goes around, comes around. But, like I said, there is a greater power that can control one's actions, be it good or bad.
After reading and analyzing this play, I am convinced that some people do believe in Fate and prophecies. I do not condemn their beliefs but I think we are in control of our lives. We do not know the future and we are left in the dark not knowing what is going to happen the next minute. But we can decide on own our about what to do next. I know that we can plan for the future even though it would not turn up as how we expected it would be. And I know that believing soley in prophecies won't do us any good. I believe that determination and hard work will bring us a step further in life.
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