What is the primary theme of Oedipus Rex?

The primary theme of Oedipus Rex is the tension between fate and free will. This theme is central to the narrative as it explores how Oedipus, despite his efforts to avoid the prophecy that he will kill his father and marry his mother, ultimately fulfills it. The story illustrates the idea that human beings must contend with a predestined fate, even while they believe they are exercising free will. Oedipus's actions, taken in haste and with good intentions, lead him down a path that reveals the limitations of free agency in the face of a predetermined destiny set by the gods. Thus, the tragic irony of the play emerges from the conflict between Oedipus’s attempts to assert control over his life and the inexorable fate that dictates his actions and their outcomes. This theme resonates throughout the play, capturing the essence of tragic drama and human experience.