Journal #2: Oedipus

Themes & Ideas

Several themes and ideas that arise within Oedipus are those or a predestined unchangeable fate, seeing or eyesight, and how even the most idealized man may be brought down by the gods. This last idea was extremely influenced by the belief in multiple Gods in Sophocles' time.
Firstly, the novel of Oedipus the King seems to carry an ulterior message that states that ones destiny is predetermined and may not be changed. The only thing a man can control in regard to his destiny is how he wishes to view it and whether he decides to pursue it or have it come upon him when the time is right. Instead of viewing himself as a god and thus not granting levity to his situation, Oedipus treats himself as a regular man and believes these are terrible crimes he has committed. One must believe that it would be possible for Oedipus to view himself as a king because of his character and his ability to solve the Sphinxs' riddle. Oedipus chooses to pursue his truth- his destiny, and this results in his undeniable sorrow. Although he couldn't have changed his destiny, he did have the opportunity to simply ignore it.
The idea of eyesight in the play seems contradictory in itself. Tiriesias is a blind prophet but can clearly see the truth, whereas Oedipus, a mighty king, is completely blind to his true actions at first although he has perfect vision. Oedipus then blinds himself in order to not view the abominations of his actions- his children. Overall, the message seems to be that mans greatest tool for harvesting knowledge may be his greatest downfall.
In Oedipus the King, Oedipus has a great many virtues that were highly envied by greek citizens at the time that the playwas written. He was honest, determined, diligent, and intelligent. These traits seem like they would create a perfect man, almost a god in some views, but in the case of this play, these virtues were Oedipus' downfall. His honesty prevented him from saving himself as king, his diligency and determinance led to the uncovering of his horrendous actions which led to his downfall, and his intelligence became of no use when he put it to work towards uncovering his destiny. This play seems to be saying that even the greatest man can and will be struck down by him traits, even if these are perfect.