Oedipus The King Theme Essay

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Oedipus the King Many themes can be deciphered from “Oedipus the King.” In Sophocles “Oedipus the King” the themes of fate and free will are very strong throughout the play. Memories of the past is also a central theme of the story. Power is as well a recurring theme that Oedipus allows to consume him. Each of these themes can be related to different aspects of modern day America. Fate and free will is the main theme that is analyzed when “Oedipus the King” is discussed. Oedipus stubbornly believes that he may outwit his fate is what ultimately caused his downfall. His belief can be compared to the film “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind.” The premise of the movie is a couple whose memories of their 2-year relationship has been erased. The couple crosses paths later on and reconcile their relationship. Demonstrating that regardless how far you run, your fate is inevitable. Similar to Oedipus, who chooses to leave his home after the oracle informs him that he will murder his father and marry his mother. Have confidence in that he can control his destiny, he sets in motion the acts …show more content…
Willing his power to coerce others into speaking and extracting the information that he needs. Much like the dictatorships of some foreign countries. Forcing citizens to give information that’s not for the benefit of the people, as a whole, but as an individual. Leaders using threat and irrational anger on anyone that doesn’t give them what they desire. Once a person comes into power it should be used for the greater good of everyone. These are a few of the themes that I related to in the story “Oedipus the King.” There are definitely more that could be seen and discussed. All of them being able to relate back to modern America. Fate and free will is something that will always be debated by people. People will never be satisfied and will continue to try to rectify the past. Power will always be abused and actions

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