Fate, Fall, and Death An ancient Greek tragedy can be described as sad and unhappy. The typical ending for a Greek tragedy is death. Ancient Greek tragedy is developed on the reliance that in human relationships it is rule that reigns, not chance. Relationships are full of emotion just like tragedies. It is difficult to describe what a tragedy actually is, but it is apparent that a tragedy has something to do with thought and human choices. Oedipus the King by Sophocles fits the mold of an ancient Greek tragedy because it is a play that depicts the fall and death of a noble character in conflict with forces beyond his control. The tragedy begins by Oedipus becoming the King of Thebes. He has become the King of Thebes because he brought freedom to the people from the existence of the riddling Sphinx. Shortly before Oedipus became king, Laius, who was the previous King of Thebes, was killed. “Oedipus was further honored by the hand of Queen Jocasta.” Now a deadly disease is very strong and the people want Oedipus to rescue them just like before. Oedipus wants to meet their needs. Meanwhile, Creon, Jocasta’s brother returns from the oracle. The oracle has said that everything will be well again if Laius’s murderer be found and taken from Thebes. Oedipus states, “For the worst penalty that shall befall him/ Is banishment—unscathed he shall depart,” (pg.16). The worst penalty for Lauis’s murderer is banishment and he shall leave unharmed. Oedipus says, “But if an alien from a foreign land be known to any as the murderer/ Let him who speaks out, and he shall have/ Due recompense from me and thanks to boot,” (pg.16). Oedipus is saying that if someone knows the murderer, another, a foreigner, still let him speak the truth and I will pay him and be grateful, too. This is the start of the fall for Oedipus.
Oedipus begins his tragic decent by sending for