Oedipus is pronounced as "Ee-di-purse" and it's the name of the main character in the famous literature nameed Oedipus Rex by Sophocles. "Rex" means the King. This story is about the tragedy that befalls a clubfoot baby who became a king and the reversal of fate has him wheeled down as a blind beggar. In short, the prophecy which was so feared by King Laois came true.
Quote Oedipus "Apolllo said through his prophet that i was the man, Who should marry his own mother, shed his father's blood, with his own hands."
Oedipus could not forgive himself when he realized the man he accidentally murdered on the road was actually his father, and the queen he re-married was his mother. His wife committed suicide because she could not accept the sin she had just committed. Due to the unbearable guilt, he gouged his eyes using his wife's brooch and became blind.
This tragedy could be reflect on our lives. How many of us hope we can change the fate? Even the King who sent to order to murder his son could not prevent the fate from coming true. Life, should we really give it ALL in to fate? Or should we stand up and fight for the things we desire in life? The fate is our hand, how far do you agree with that statement?
As for me, I do believe in fate. However, I think as long as we strive for the things we want, go beyond the yardstick, even if we did not achieve it, at least we know we tried. People who just leave everything to fate are just lame loosers, they just do not not dare to face the reality in life. On contrary, they should move on with their life. For example, if King Laois did not send the order to murder his son, he could raise him up and treat him like how a father should love his son. By the time Oedipus grows up, surely he will know that Iocaste is his mother and there will be no reason for him to marry his mother!
In short, this is an interesting read! Though I do not really understand the underlying message of certain deep level phrases at first, after Dr. Edwin explained, it all make sense. Indeed, we have to really understand the underlying message in order to appreaciate literature!
Fate is the strangest thing. The more you want to catch up with it, the more it will run away from you..
ReplyDeleteThat was a quote that I've heard from someone some times ago. I did not specifically remember this last time, but reading Oedipus had rang that bell.. I agree that most people would want to escape from their destined path, often feeling unsatisfied of what they had. But at the same time, how many of us can actually do something in order to change our so-called destiny?
I know that there's a lot of good examples and role models for us to look upon when we are speaking of people who worked hard to persue for the better; But how many percent of human beings in this world can actually do that? Besides needing extra courage and faith, not much of normal human can fight against destiny. I'm very sorry to say that most human are weaklings who will give ways to fate once they had tasted defeat, but it is the truth that we all should admit.
Oedipus had taught me a lot. No matter how far you go, you will just end up going back to where everyone else belong - D.E.A.T.H.
Jasmine Wong