Oepdius Essay, Research Paper

In this world there is an uncontrollable force that creates a path for each individual to follow. This path is known as fate and it is an irreversible fact of life. In one of the greatest Greek tragedies, Oedipus the King, Oedipus attempts to alter his own fate to avoid the horrific destiny planned for him. However, Oedipus various attempts to create his own future against fate s will are unsuccessful. On the other hand, Creon accepted what fate had dealt him whether he desire it or not. The ancient Greeks believed that fate was dominated by the gods and no one could change this predestined path. If altercation is pursued, then the ultimate result is disaster.

The idea that fate can be neither avoided nor altered is a theme of the play, Oedipus the King. Creon who is simply a secondary character in the play is a prime example of this theme. In the play, Oedipus accuses Creon of constructing a plot against him, so that he himself can assume the role as king. Oedipus states, You-here? You have the gall to show your face before the palace gates? You, plotting to kill me, kill the king-I see it all, the marauding thief himself scheming to steal my crown and power (Sophocles 594-98). However Creon replies, Not at all. Not if you see things calmly, rationally, as I do. Look at it this way first: who in his right mind would rather rule and live in anxiety than sleep in peace?…Not I, I m not the man to yearn for kingship, not with a king s power in my hands. Who would? (Sophocles 651-58) . This proves that Creon wanted nothing to do with the throne. He felt that he already held enough power and could still live in tranquility, which is all Creon wished for. Although Creon did not desire to be king, his fate had other plans unbeknownst to him.

As the play unfolds Oedipus learns that he could not change what the prophecies had predicted for him. Despite all of his efforts he was unable to avoid his destiny, which caused him to marry his own mother and to kill his father. Once all of this is revealed, Oedipus is forced to give up his crown and Creon is the next one in line to take his place. The one thing that Creon did not wish for was to be king, yet the higher power of fate led him to the throne. This proves the theme that fate does create its own unalterable path for every human being. Unlike Oedipus, Creon did not attempt to fight the gods, therefore he was able to become king without any calamity.

Although Creon may not have yearned to be king, he still accepted it without reservation. He also realized that it was his duty to take his place as king immediately without hesitation. Even when it came to giving orders to Oedipus Creon was not apprehensive. For example, Oedipus says, Drive me out of the land at once, far from sight, where I can never hear a human voice (Sophocles1572-1573). Creon replies, I have done that already, I promise you (Sophocles 1574). However, it is obvious that it is difficult for Oedipus to let go of his power, but Creon gets this under control as well. Still the king, the master of all things? No more: here your power ends. None of your power follows you through life (Sophocles 1676-78).

When Oedipus tries to alter his fate, he is unsuccessful and it leads to disaster. Creon does not try to reverse his fate and things go over smoothly. He may not desire to be king, but when fate hands him the crown he accepts it with open arms. He knows that this is better than challenging his destiny because he realizes that it is a predestined force. Even if he attempted to avoid it, it would still occur. In spite of the fact that Creon is a secondary character in the play, he is still important because he helps to represent the theme that fate is predetermined and it cannot be escaped.