Oedipus Rex

In Oedipus Rex, Sophocles demonstrates the forever prominent theme, ignorance is bliss. The Greek outlook on my particular theme is an unique one- facing reality is not up to the characters. It is up to fate, the harsh reality displayed in this play. Oedipus is damned from the moment he was born; nevertheless, by abandoning him to die Laius and Jocasta attempt to change inevitable reality. As Oedipus grows up, he is taught that he is the son of the king and queen of Corinth. His entire life is a lie, everything he knows a mere illusion. He so strongly believes this lie that the horrible prophecy has to come true in order for him to face reality and accept his fate. Oedipus now faces a catastrophic identity crisis, not to mention separation from his family forever out of shame. However, if he were simply told the truth, all of this would be irrelevant. But fate has never been one for changing its mind.