How does the concept of fate impact Oedipus's life?

The impact of fate on Oedipus's life is profound and central to the themes of "Oedipus Rex." The correct understanding lies in how fate tragically fulfills the prophecy he strives to escape. Throughout the play, Oedipus is confronted with the prophecy that he will kill his father and marry his mother. Despite his efforts to avoid this predetermined outcome—his decision to leave Corinth and seek out the truth—Oedipus ultimately finds himself enacting the very fate he sought to avoid.

This illustrates the central conflict of fate versus free will. Oedipus’s attempts to change his destiny only lead him closer to fulfilling it, highlighting the Greek tragic belief that human beings are powerless against their fate. His journey ultimately reveals that no matter how much he tries to master his own fate, the truth of his identity and destiny is inescapable. Thus, the tragedy lies not only in the fulfillment of the prophecy but also in Oedipus’s inability to see the inevitable path laid out for him.