Communications in Humanities Research ISSN: 2753-7072
Home> Volumes> Volume CHR Vol.3> Article
Research Article

The Tragedy of Fate in Oedipus the King

Yuzhu ZhangHumanities Department, College of Arts and Science, Hubei Normal University, Jinshan Street, Huangshi, Hubei Province, China*

* Corresponding author: [email protected]

Abstract

Among the tragedies of ancient Greece, Oedipus Rex is a work well worth exploring in depth. The study of the problem of fate and tragedy in work has been a topic of interest so far. This article focuses on the tragic destiny of Oedipus, manifested in two different forms: the "oracle" and the "eye". The oracle drives the development of the story, leading Oedipus towards a predetermined end and suggesting his ultimate fate, while the eye leads people to experience the world of light and darkness, perceive the deafening impact of fate, and grasp the essence of things with the 'eyes of the heart'. In the end, Oedipus' struggle with destiny is a failure, and he goes round and round in an unavoidable course of destiny that has already been ordained. Although the tragedy is predetermined and fate is dominated by an irresistible mysterious force, the freedom and will of the human being are not to be ignored, and human dignity is as important as fate. This sublime understanding of the tragedy of destiny renews the ancient Greeks' inherent perception of the fixed nature of fate and deepens the connotation of ancient Greek tragedy and the sublimation of its spirit.

Keywords: Tragic Fate; Oedipus the King; Oracle; Eyes
Published: May 17, 2023
DOI: 10.54254/2753-7064/3/20220507
Volume: CHR Vol.3
pp. 568-573
Download PDF

References

  1. Russell. (2007). History of Western Philosophy (Classic readings). Beijing Publishing House.
  2. Aristotle, & Chen Zhongmei. (1996). Poetics. The Commercial Press.
  3. Anton. (2021). What Role does the Oracle play in Oedipus the King?
  4. Hegel. (2003). Philosophy of history. Shanghai Bookstore.
  5. Luo Niansheng. (1961). Oedipus the King. Beijing: People's Literature Press.
  6. Wu Xianshu. (1986). Plato. The Republic: Volume 7. The Commercial Press.
  7. Chen Guo. (2020). Where Does the Power of Man Come From?
  8. Wang Taiqing. (2004). Plato. Dialogues of Plato. The Commercial Press.
  9. Yu, Lingling, & Luo Linping. (1988). The last days of Socrates: a collection of Plato's dialogues. Sanlian Books.
  10. Liang Zhongxian. (2006). On Nietzsche's Ancient Greek Complex. Academic Exchange (5), 5.
  11. Zhu Guangqian, & Zhang Longxi. (1983). The psychology of tragedy. People's Literature Press.