Does Oedipus Deserve His Fate

Though it is true that Oedipus committed numerous vile crimes, it was not his fault. What the other team failed to realize is Oedipus’ fate was prophesied. The claim that he was overtaken by evil to carry out such actions does not work as his fate, like all prophecies, was bound to happen. No matter how hard he could have tried to avoid his fate, he would still end up with same result. Oedipus undertook everything in his power to escape his tragic destiny, but failed to do so since it could not be changed. In fact, readers of the story are provided with knowledge of the tragedy to come, making the statement of a fate set in stone much more credible. To argue that Oedipus presents the true evil of man is incorrect because every unjust measure taken had moral reason behind it. What the other team covers is the mere surface of what happened; they did not dig deep and look at the case in its entirety. Though the death of Laius and Jocasta was Oedipus’ fault directly, it wasn’t in the situation as a whole. As was said earlier, it was prophesied. From the start, Oedipus tries his best to save his town, all out of the good of his heart. Any amoral ruler could have kept from going through the series of events …show more content…
He stabbed his own eyes, blinding himself out of shame. If it is said that this isn’t a remorseful act, then all presumed remorseful acts should be ruled unrepentant. Oedipus even tried to run away from his supposed parents to avoid his tragic destiny. By doing so, Oedipus clearly carried traits of nobility. The fact that Oedipus realized the wrong he did, shows he is a good, virtuous man. Through the acts of Oedipus, the true nature of man to do good is shown. Even if man does wrong, he feels guilt then tries to make things right by fixing what he did, sometimes through irrational ways, such as puncturing one's eyes. Guilt makes righteousness of man. “Man,” however, does not make guilt, it is