Sophocles and Oedipus the King

Biography of Sophocles

Sophocles, 496 B.C.E. - 406 B.C.E., is considered to be one of the most successful Greek playwrights in history. Sophocles, son of Sophilius, was born into a wealthy and prominent family. Sophocles won many awards in school which continued through his adulthood where he received first place many times for his dramatic performances. Sophocles wrote an estimated one hundred twenty five tragedies, but there are only seven that survived. The seven tragedies that remain were placed in a book with the plays of other great Greek playwrights and taught in roman schools. Sophocles also served as the Athenian empire imperial treasurer. He was honored after his death in 406 B.C.E., as Dexion, because he turned over his house for a place of worship until a proper temple could be built for Ascelpius (Greek god of medicine). Sophocles had strong religious beliefs, and he also served as a priest.

http://www.notablebiographies.com/Sc-St/Sophocles.html
http://www.freeclipartnow.com/people/famous-people/writers/greek/Sophocles.jpg.html

"Pro-Fate"


Sophocles' Oedipus the King presents an argument determining whether Oedipus was ruled by fate or free will. Apollo cursed Lauis, Oedipus' father, because Lauis broke the Laws of Hospitality. Apollo ill-fated Oedipus to kill Lauis and marry Jocasta, his mother. I do not believe Sophocles' created Oedipus with the mindset for Oedipus to make his own decisions. I believe Sophocles' created Oedipus to show the good versus evil relationship in divine intervention and predetermined fate. I do not believe the Gods are seeking to destroy Oedipus. I believe that Apollo did not know that he was going to cause more harm to Oedipus than Lauis. I believe Sophocles' created Oedipus “pro-fate” because he gives Oedipus the great detective skills that he will need in order to complete the will of the Gods.

http://homepage.univie.ac.at/Michael.Berger/lit/freud-3.html