The Illusion of Man

Many Greek tragedies depict man as being foolish and refusing to face the truth head on. Instead, he creates a reality to suit his own needs, thereby perpetuating an illusion of happiness. The main character in Oedipus Rex, Oedipus, represents a man who must come to terms with his identity, even if other factors created this persona. Oedipus is the classic hero, equipped with all the human frailties, who attempts to escape the predetermined fate that the gods have in store for him. In this tragedy, Sophocles illustrates how man becomes both victim and co-conspirator against himself by perpetuating his illusion with arrogance and self-denial.
In Oedipus the King, Oedipus must fight against the predestined fate that the gods have in store for him and the secrets of his true heritage. …