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Essay / Research Paper Abstract
This 3 page paper argues that contrary to most opinions, Oedipus does have free will in the play “Oedipus Rex.” Bibliography lists 1 source.
Page Count:
3 pages (~225 words per page)
File: D0_HVfrewlor.rtf
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Unformatted sample text from the term paper:
chaos. This paper argues that Oedipus does have free will, and is not merely a puppet of the gods. Discussion Its easy to see why people think Oedipus is powerless:
it seems that he is continually battered by the oracle, which leads him to take actions that result in disaster. But a closer reading of the play reveals that this
isnt true; Oedipus himself makes the decisions that lead to his ruin. The most important example of this is found in the way that he keeps trying to find out
who he is, and what his family history is. He commands the prophet Teiresias to tell him what he knows, but Teiresias continually refuses. He urges Oedipus to let it
go, not to pursue it further, but he will not be deterred. Teiresias says "I will not bring this pain upon us both, / neither on your nor on myself.
Why is it you question me and waste your labour? I will tell you nothing" (Sophocles 331-333). But Oedipus keeps after him, calling him a villain until finally Teiresias has
no choice but to blurt it out: "I say you are the murderer of the king whose murderer you seek" (Sophocles 363). Of course Oedipus refuses to believe this
at first, accusing Teiresias of plotting against the throne; he orders the man to leave (Sophocles). But Teiresias says "I am a fool then, as it seems to you-- /
But to the parents who have bred you, wise" (Sophocles 435). Immediately Oedipus wants to know more but Teiresias leaves, after making a speech that describes Oedipus as a "fellow
sower in his fathers bed / with that same father that he murdered" (Sophocles 458-459). He tells the people to see if what hes said is the truth or not
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