Human Will and the Power of the Gods Oedipus Rex by...

The production of great tragedy in ancient Greece was a pursuit attempted by many but accomplished only by some. Sophocles’ Oedipus Rex is considered today as one of the greatest tragedies produced by an author during this time. Carefully crafted motifs, character-developing monologues, and poignant irony all combine to create a tragedy that leaves readers stunned and grieving for poor Oedipus. Throughout Oedipus Rex, the motif of blindness and sight emphasizes the struggle between the power of free will and the power of the gods made evident in Oedipus’ interactions with Tiresias, Jokasta’s attempts to assuage Oedipus’ fear of his crime, and the development of Oedipus’ own character from a man who held little faith in prophecy to one who†¦show more content†¦In many cases, sunlight is associated with truth and knowledge, thereby making this line quire ironic. Following this logic, Oedipus can be harmed by Tiresias because he does not the t ruth of what he is done, and therefore he cannot see the sunlight. The interaction developed here serves to reinforce the conflict between the power of man and free will against the power and determination of the gods. As Oedipus works to discredit Tiresias, he plays on the blind seer’s inability to solve the riddle presented by the Sphinx. Oedipus claims, â€Å"Her riddle wasn’t the sort just anyone who happened could solve: prophetic skill was needed. But the kind you learned from the birds or gods failed you. It took Oedipus, the know-nothing, to stop her. I needed no help from the birds; I used my wits to find the answer,† (Lines 450-451). Here it is evident that Oedipus believes solely is his power and strength as a human being and rejects or belittles the belief in the will and power of the gods in determining human fate. Through the contrasting interaction between Oedipus and Tiresias, readers are presented with a differing view of the way in which the go ds impact and interact in human life. Interactions between Oedipus and Jokasta, specifically where Jokasta tries to convince Oedipus that he is not Laios’ killer, again highlight the ongoing question about whether human will and strength or the power of the godsShow MoreRelatedThe Role of Faith and the Gods in Oedipus Rex Essays1713 Words   |  7 Pagesstruggle man faces is the question of who or what has power and control over his life. Does he have total control of his future, or is there a higher being at work that takes human lives into their own hands? Sophocles, in his work Oedipus Rex, establishes a view that gives fate, which is created by the gods, a seemingly inescapable characteristic over man. 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