Oedipus believes that he is the best that he could ever be when in fact his destiny reveals the opposite. ... Besides creating this tension, the dramatic irony here also foreshadows Oedipus" tragic fate; the audience can feel fear and pity for Oedipus since he is oblivious to his destiny. ... This sets Oedipus on the path to discover his own identity and destiny. ... The pity we feel for Oedipus is maximized in his catharsis due to his grievance for his mother and his pity for his children's destinies. Oedipus" fate was determined before he was born, but he tried to control it by ...

• Word Count: 823
• Approx Pages: 3
• Grade Level: High School

In Death of a Salesman fate and destiny are not depicted as they would be in a classic tragedy with gods and oracles as a participating force in the tragic hero's downfall. It is portrayed through foreshadowing in the character's dialogue in a much more modern sense. ... Alternatively, the story of David Singleman acts as an oracle in the way that it foreshadows Willy's death, "- and by the way he died the death of a salesman." ...

• Word Count: 1550
• Approx Pages: 6
• Grade Level: High School