Oedipus?S Misfortunes Essay, Research Paper

Oedipus?s Misfortunes

Who is responsible for the misfortunes of Oedipus? Is it because of the careless way his parents, Laius and Jocasta handle problems, the disobedience of the Shepard, fate, the gods or Oedipus himself? Even though many people contribute to Oedipus downfall he is ultimately responsible.

In the beginning Oedipus is condemned by the gods to murder his father and marry his mother. His parents, Laius and Jocasta, send him to the mountains to die and bring about an end to the terrible prophecy. But the Shepard who was to leave him on the mountain takes pity on Oedipus. He gives Oedipus away truly believing that this will some how prevent the prophecy from coming true and save a life, Oedipus?s. Later in Oedipus life he hears a rumor that he is adopted. When he confronts about the adoption, his ?parents? adamantly deny it. Still not fully convinced, Oedipus goes to the Prophet Phoebus. Phoebus warns Oedipus of his fate and Oedipus runs away. This eventually leads to the fulfillment of the prophecy.

Oedipus sees only what he wants and ignores all of the inconvenient facts. Oedipus learns of the prophecy early enough in life to make a difference. He could have avoided killing any man or he could have thought twice before marrying a women who was more than twice his age. When he found out that his ?parents? might not really have been his parents he could have investigated this further instead of just running off. All of these things could have prevented Oedipus?s fate.

Therefore, I believe Oedipus is the cause of his own misfortunes. People, the environment and fate all help shape our individual lives. But, ultimately every man and women must make their own decisions and accept all responsibility for the decisions they make.