... to his downfall. People have free will but fate also plays a part in human life. Sophocles, in this play demonstrates how fate and human choice are closely linked. Oedipus had been told about his unavoidable prophecy however he tried to use his free will and choice to determine his destiny. He loved his parents Polybus and Merope, and so used his free will to choose to fled to avoid fulfilling the prophecy. Again fate plays a part driving him towards Thebes and it is fate that means he meets Lauis. However, it is not fate but Oedipus' temper and pride (his human failing) which forces him to murder his own father "I was angry and every man of them there I killed." If only Oedipus could control his temper, perhaps he could alter the course of his life. "I Oedipus, whose name is known afar"..." I grieve for you my children", ...

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