The Road to Doom

A detailed Summary of The Road to Doom

Selfish acts and curious inquiries prove to be dangerous human qualities. Following a display of wit and courage, Oedipus arrives in the city of Thebes, demanding control. It is here that he discovers himself. Curiosity and the promise to uncover King Laios's murderer drive Oedipus to his doom.

Oedipus's loyalty to his people guides him closer to his truth. Oedipus announces to the people of Thebes, "I will help you in every way I can; I should be heartless were I not moved to find you suppliant here" (Prologue, 13-15). He is willing to sacrifice himself for the people of Thebes. Oedipus feels that his loyalty to the people of Thebes requires him to keep no secrets. Once Creon has returned with the oracle from Delphi, he says, "I am prepared to speak, But should we not go in?" (Prologue, 94-95). Oedipus responds, "Let them all hear it. It is for them I suffer, more than myself" (Prologue, 96-97). The oracles say that in order to rid the city of plague, the deceased King Laios's murderer must be exposed, so Oedipus claims that he shall discover the traitor and expose him to the city for punishment. Because Oedipus is King of Thebes, he wishes to know everything and feels that it is his divine right to

know everything in his kingdom. As the oracles begin to reveal clues to Oedipus, he seeks more knowledge. While determined to reveal the murderer, Oedipus also seeks to understand how the oracles pertain to him.

The Greek philosophy that "the unexamined life is not worth living" argues that Oedipus is a better man for discovering his true identity. In contrast he could have lived a happy life had he not learned the truth. Oedipus's natural ambition for truth and justice force him to seek his truth. Had Oedipus retained his doubt in the gods, and followed the advice of the chorus and Iocaste as they urged him to seek no further, he could have continued his blissful life of ignorance. Instead, Oedipus derives the truth, which leads to the death of Iocaste, and the eternal damnation his children. It is natural for human beings to seek happiness. It is also a natural desire to gain insight, truth, and an understanding of the surrounding world. Such things bless a person with a sense of satisfaction and purpose. If everyone must die, why choose to live the mortal life in anguish? If pushing aside the urge of curiosity means that one may live a happy, fruitful life, why explore the curiosity and damn oneself to a life of misery? While deeming himself wise after solving the riddle of the Sphinx, Oedipus does not understand that a wise man would pause to contemplate the conseque

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Approximate Word count = 939
Approximate Pages = 4 (250 words per page double spaced)

Category: English