Rough Draft!

Over the centuries, many texts include the struggle of fate over free will, including the notable Greek play, Oedipus Rex. Although many people tend to focus on the main tragic figure, Oedipus, when analyzing this principle, much of this theme can be seen in a lesser character: Oedipus’s wife, Jocasta. In some cases, this character can be seen as a more valuable resource to support the theme than her unfortunate husband. Throughout the play, Jocasta battles with the will of Apollo, unwilling to accept the fate that he bestowed upon her.

The first instance of this is seen when Jocasta tells of her history. She explained that and oracle predicted that Laios, Jocasta’s previous husband, would die by his son’s hands and would go on to marry his mother. In reaction to this look into her fate, her son was ordered to be killed before this terrible happening could occur. This is a clear indication of Jocasta’s unwillingness to accept her fate—for she was attempting to defy the prophecy by eliminating the main element to the tragedy.

When discussing with Oedipus about this prophecy, Jocasta’s language hints the existence of a sense of denial. It hints that she knows that her fate has become reality, but she refuses to acknowledge it. She tries to halt Oedipus’s detective like eagerness with lines such as “this talk is a waste of time,” and “For God’s love, let us have no more questioning!” However, Oedipus continues on, and Jocasta responds with the key line “May you never learn who you are!” Why is this line key? It clearly reveals Jocasta’s awareness of the reality of her fate despite how much she tried to play ignorant.

Shortly after, her awareness leads to her suicide, further proving her unwillingness to accept her fate. Through Jocasta, the reader witnesses the struggle humans have with their fate, more so than even Oedipus does.