As a product of this recognition, Sophokles’ play has long caused deliberation regarding the extent in which Oidipous is liable for his own fall or whether it was predestined. Through analysis of the playtext, it is clear that to little extent was Oidipous responsible for his own downfall as his fate, predetermined by external circumstances, caused his inevitable …show more content…
As an ongoing point of discussion, it is clear that there is no one discernable truth regarding the extent in which Oidipous is responsible for his downfall. However, the notion of Oidipous’ fate being determined by external forces is overwhelmingly present throughout the play, indicating the extent to which Oidipous is responsible for his demise is minimal. This is exemplified within Oidipous the King through three significant external forces: the gods, Laios and Iokaste as Oidipous’ parents and the notion of Greek