What is Jocasta’s reaction to Oedipus’s fears about the prophecy?

Jocasta's reaction to Oedipus's fears about the prophecy is significant in demonstrating her character and the overarching theme of fate versus free will in the play. By dismissing Oedipus’s fears and attempting to calm him, she reveals her disbelief in the prophetic truths that have influenced their lives. Jocasta believes that prophecies can be evaded and tries to reassure Oedipus by citing her own experiences—specifically, she recounts how her earlier fears about a prophecy concerning her son did not come true. This moment highlights her pragmatic nature and her desire to mitigate Oedipus's anxiety, reflecting her role as a stabilizing force in the face of ominous predictions. Through this dismissal, she embodies the conflict between belief in fate and the human tendency to seek control over one’s destiny.