Anthony brought an interesting point in his discussion last Friday. He mentioned the importance of destiny, change, and fear. I believe there is a special relation among them. It is within the cycle of these three elements that brings out the irony of the play; understanding destiny can bring changes, and changes create fear.
“Why should anyone in the world be afraid / Since Fate rules us and nothing can be foreseen?” (49). Destiny is a cemented path of life created by god. It tells the happiness, consequences, and obstacles each person must endure; the ending of each person’s life is inescapable. At a point in the story, Oedipus’ parents find out their future tragedy which foretells that their own son will kill his father. Immediately, they find ways to prevent the catastrophe. Clearly, the revelation of destiny already brought changes. However, Jocaste was the one who sent Oedipus away to be killed. Ironically, the above statement was quoted by Jocaste, yet she is actually the one who tries to change fate. If she knows that fate can not be changed, why does she still commit sins to prevent fate? She is human, who relies on the intelligence of human; she thinks she could overpower god and mock fate.
“Your fate is clear, you are not blind to that” (70). Indeed fate is as clear as a crystal. No one has the choice to not accept its existence. Oedipus learned of his cruel past and realized that his sins are crimes cannot be undone. He must live with them. Eventhough he is aware of his dark future of long days and nights of remorse, Oedipus still tries to break himself free from the truth. The change he made this time is to sacrifice his eyesight. It is a wise choice? Well, there is not a correct answer. If Oedipus true intention is to not see the future, then he has succeeded. But he also must understand that will still live with knowing that fact that it will come. Destiny will come to find him.
“I fear the oracle may come true” (51). These are the words from the great king Oedipus. After Oedipus found out the truth, he is brought upon with insecurities and dread. He fears the prediction of the prophecy will become reality. This is the last stage of the cycle, where fear finally meets destiny. Jocaste thought she has eradicated evil by giving up her child; yet she still lives with anxiety. Her actions only relieve the concerns of her frightful future. Oedipus plays on the same idea after finding out his sins. He tries to isolate himself from the rest of the world by ruining his eyes. Once again, Oedipus is running away from the truth because he thought he could change the presence by blinding himself. If he can not see, he will not have to face the truth. This is an act of cowardice that derived from fear.
The cycle of these three elements would repeats itself. Undoubtedly, fear will soon reach destiny. From fear, we make changes in our life to avoid our destiny. We desperately evade destiny with ridiculous tricks. But in the end, we must face our destiny.
(542)
1 comment:
Destiny, how appropriate that you should write this particular blog. At the end,you say, "From fear, we make changes in our life to avoid our destiny. We desperately evade destiny with ridiculous tricks. But in the end, we must face our destiny." A strong idea there, that in our fear we attempt to change that which cannot be changed. And you describe this relationship as a cycle, part of the natural sequence of life, I think you are saying.
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