Hi there, I am writing a english essay on 'Sophocles Oedipus the King' and I am trying to prove that Oedipus is not responsible for what happens to him.

Question

Could you help me come up with three strong arguments to support this.

Answer 1

Is the the diminished mental capacity defense? or the devil made him do it? or as Eve said, the serpent made me do it? or as Adam said, the woman made me do it? Or in this case, is the Oracle the one who caused it?

I don't know how you can find three strong arguments, but I would in the finest Greek tradition, blame the Gods for it. But I think you will still be weak on motive.

I will think on it, so come back later, I might think of some specific arguments. It is not easy putting logical causal forces in Greek literature.

Answer 2

Another person suggested a good defense for escaping responsibility would be ignorance. I agree on that, he was ignorant of whom he killed, and whom he married.