According to Aristotle, poetry surpasses history as it portrays the timeless elements of human experience. Sophocles’ tragedy, Oedipus the King, is a prime example of this notion. The play delves into the idea of fate and free will, as Oedipus tries to avoid his prophesized destiny but ultimately fulfills it unknowingly. The plot shows how a king kills his father by accident and gets married to his mother through a series of events. Within its narrative are themes such as destiny versus free will, conceit and hubris, yearning for truth, and queries regarding fate’s judgment on gods and men alike that also exist in everyday life today. This tale has survived through the ages due to its striking capacity to capture fundamental aspects of humanity that transcend time itself – reminding us all about unexpected destructive outcomes despite well-meaning intentions; It is a cautionary tale that emphasizes the importance of humility, self-reflection, and the acceptance of what we cannot control.
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One thought on “Ihab Gomaa Week 7 Discussion”
Ihab, this is a beautifully written analysis of some of the play’s themes, but I am asking students this week to make observations of behaviors they see in their own experience that correlate to some of the behaviors of the characters in this ancient play.