This article is Legend of Oedipus by Commonlit Staff
One question asked me what the theme of The Legend of Oedipus
I said free will and fate part B is asking for a quote the choices are
A. “Many years later, Oedipus is told by a drunk that Polybus is not his real father
but when he asks his parents, they deny it.” (Paragraph 5)
B. “They fight over who has the right to go first and Oedipus kills Laius in self
defense, unwittingly fulfilling part of the prophecy.” (Paragraph 6)
C. “Oedipus was the first to answer the riddle correctly. Having heard Oedipus’
answer, the Sphinx is astounded and inexplicably kills itself, freeing Thebes.”
(Paragraph 7)
D. “He is exiled from Thebes and spends the remainder of his life wandering the
desert.” (Paragraph 9)
I believe it is either B or D
its b
The theme of The Legend of Oedipus is indeed the relationship between free will and fate. As for the quote that supports this theme, option B is the most fitting: "They fight over who has the right to go first and Oedipus kills Laius in self-defense, unwittingly fulfilling part of the prophecy." This quote exemplifies the idea that Oedipus's actions, driven by his own choices and circumstances, ultimately lead to the fulfillment of the tragic fate imposed on him. Therefore, option B is the correct choice.
To determine the theme of a literary work, it is important to analyze the overall message or lesson that the author is conveying. In the case of The Legend of Oedipus, the theme typically revolves around the concepts of free will and fate.
To choose the correct quote that aligns with the theme, we need to look for evidence that supports either free will or fate. Let's analyze the options provided:
A. “Many years later, Oedipus is told by a drunk that Polybus is not his real father but when he asks his parents, they deny it.” (Paragraph 5)
This quote demonstrates a situation where Oedipus is presented with information that challenges his current understanding. It doesn't directly relate to the theme of free will or fate.
B. “They fight over who has the right to go first and Oedipus kills Laius in self-defense, unwittingly fulfilling part of the prophecy.” (Paragraph 6)
This quote highlights Oedipus unintentionally fulfilling the prophecy by killing Laius, which ties into the theme of fate. It shows that his actions were predetermined by the prophecy, suggesting the influence of destiny.
C. “Oedipus was the first to answer the riddle correctly. Having heard Oedipus’ answer, the Sphinx is astounded and inexplicably kills itself, freeing Thebes.” (Paragraph 7)
This quote focuses on Oedipus solving the Sphinx's riddle, which doesn't directly pertain to the theme of free will or fate.
D. “He is exiled from Thebes and spends the remainder of his life wandering the desert.” (Paragraph 9)
This quote depicts the consequence of Oedipus' actions and his subsequent exile. While it reflects the aftermath of his choices, it doesn't explicitly address the theme of free will or fate.
Based on the options provided, quote B is the most relevant to the theme of The Legend of Oedipus. It shows Oedipus unknowingly fulfilling the prophecy through his actions, highlighting the role of fate in his story.
Didn’t we already go over this?
Which one? B? Or D?
Which one includes BOTH “free will and fate,” as you indicated?