In Sophocles' Oedipus Rex, the ancient confusion of the impact of man's free will on their seemingly immutable destiny manifests itself in the widespread emotional war zone that is ours hero. Oedipus is directly responsible for the fiery mass of rubble that his once joyous life has become because he allowed his excessive ego and self-esteem to lead him into a reckless lifestyle of impulsiveness and arrogance. Throughout the tragic story, the troubled young Oedipus is faced with many opportunities to surrender to fate and throw away his life, everything he has accepted and performed with pride. After being informed of his unwanted fate, the young man finds himself at a crossroads, tormented by another traveler. In a flash of blinding rage, Oedipus killed the very man he was trying to avoid, as he later told his wife and mother: “My stick had struck him backwards from the car and he rolled out. And then I killed them all." While he was fully aware of the possibility of not knowing his parents' true identity, he was not at all concerned that he might fulfill his prophecy in any violent act he committed. Oedipus took the prophecy seriously enough to uproot his life and leave his home in Corinth, but not seriously enough to even attempt to embark on a life of pacifism. His misplaced efforts presented him with a choice between a wounded sense of self-worth and misplaced brutality, his inability to discern the difference between a necessary evil and an absurd responsibility led him to begin fulfilling his prophecy. After discovering for the first time the bad end that the divine had prepared for him, Oedipus was disgusted by the thought of marrying and bedding his mother, but in a moment of excitement and light-heartedness he mar... middle of paper.. ...the identity of the murderer was revealed to Oedipus, he accused Creon of conspiracy even though it was Creon who gave power to Oedipus from the beginning, and he lived with equal power but less responsibility. Oedipus' immediate reaction of contempt towards his brother-in-law suffocates the gravity of the situation. Instead of using Creon's power and influence to his advantage, Oedipus only became convinced of the great turning point and realization of who he truly was. It is important to note that even after the catastrophe occurs, Creon is the one who takes Oedipus privately to care for him. Oedipus was reckless and blind to the potential impact of his actions and made decisions based on immediate emotional responses. His impatience and flawed character lead him to commit murder, incest, blasphemy and tyranny and is completely responsible for the terrifying outcome of his life..