The tragedy of Oedipus Rex focuses on the theme of personal responsibility and the quest of self knowledge. Throughout the play, Sophocles reflects on the divine and human realm making readers ask themselves how much of Oedipus life was controlled by fate and how much was brought on by his own actions. There is no question that in Sophoclean times the Greeks believed much of the word was controlled by outside forces beyond human nature, however although everyone had a predestined life, their actions and choices reflect the idea of personal responsibility and self determination.
It is apparent that Oedipus is a fictional character, but none the less Sophocles intended him to represent human motives and characteristics. The tragedy of Oedipus Rex is based upon the theme of self knowledge, and the acknowledgment of where ones fate lies. From the beginning of the play Sophocles points out one cannot escape their fate, and by trying to do so, they will actually induce it, and ultimately with more consequences than intended. For example Oedipus father, Laios tried to avoid the fate decreed that his son would kill him and marry his mother. Laios then sent his new born son Oedipus off to the mountains to die. By doing so and trying to escape what was already predetermined it resulted in his death later in life by the hands of his son Oedipus. Although Oedipus has an unavoidable fate, he caused himself more suffering through his actions. Before knowing his destiny, Oedipus condemns himself unknowingly, and being a democratic man of his word, he punishes himself from the very begging of the play. "And as for me, this curse applies no less/if it should turn out that the culprit is my guest/here/sharing my hearth/ You have heard the penalty." (pg 14). By these words alone Oedipus used his free will to condemn himself. In this instance it is not his fate that will lead to his downfall, but rather his own words and actions that will cause his suffering.
