Introduction
This essay explores the concept of fate in Sophocles’ ancient Greek tragedy, *Oedipus the King*, through the lens of the proverbial saying, “What will hit you will not miss you.” Written around 429 BCE, the play centres on Oedipus, a man doomed by prophecy to kill his father and marry his mother, embodying the inevitability of destiny. The proverb, often used to express resignation to unavoidable outcomes, complements the play’s central theme that fate is inescapable, no matter the efforts to evade it. This analysis, grounded in the study of Greek tragedy (GST), will examine how fate operates as an unyielding force in the narrative, consider the implications of human agency against divine will, and reflect on how the saying encapsulates the tragic essence of Oedipus’ journey. The discussion will draw on key textual evidence and scholarly perspectives to provide a sound understanding of these themes at an undergraduate level.
Fate as an Inevitable Force in Oedipus the King
In *Oedipus the King*, fate is portrayed as a predetermined path orchestrated by the gods, immutable despite human attempts to resist it. From the outset, the prophecy delivered by the Oracle of Delphi—that Oedipus will murder his father, Laius, and marry his mother, Jocasta—sets the tragic trajectory. Despite Laius and Jocasta’s efforts to circumvent this fate by abandoning their infant son, and Oedipus’ later attempt to flee Corinth to avoid fulfilling the prophecy, all actions ironically lead to its realisation. This inevitability mirrors the proverb “What will hit you will not miss you,” suggesting that destiny’s strike is unavoidable. As Dodds (1966) argues, the play reflects the Greek belief that fate, or *moira*, overrides human will, rendering resistance futile. Indeed, Oedipus’ determination to uncover the truth about Laius’ murder only hastens his downfall, illustrating how fate manipulates even the most well-intentioned actions.
Human Agency and the Illusion of Control
While fate dominates the narrative, the tension between divine predestination and human agency remains a critical point of analysis. Oedipus is not a passive victim; his relentless pursuit of truth and justice demonstrates a belief in his ability to shape his destiny. However, this agency is ultimately illusory, as every choice aligns with the prophesied outcome. For instance, his decision to leave Corinth to protect his supposed parents directly leads him to Thebes, where he unwittingly kills Laius and marries Jocasta. This paradox raises questions about free will in the face of divine power. Knox (1957) notes that Sophocles uses Oedipus’ character to explore the tragic irony of human striving against an unchangeable fate, a concept echoed in the proverb’s fatalistic tone. Arguably, the saying suggests a resignation that Oedipus lacks, yet his eventual acceptance of his fate—blinding himself and embracing exile—aligns with its sentiment.
The Proverb as a Reflection of Tragic Wisdom
The saying “What will hit you will not miss you” encapsulates the tragic wisdom at the heart of *Oedipus the King*. It conveys a stoic acceptance of life’s inevitable blows, resonating with the play’s depiction of fate as an unstoppable force. While the proverb lacks the explicit divine context of Greek tragedy, its implication of powerlessness against predetermined events parallels Oedipus’ ultimate realisation that he cannot outrun his destiny. Furthermore, the saying’s generality extends the play’s relevance, suggesting that such fatalism applies beyond mythic narratives to universal human experience. As Segal (2001) observes, Sophocles’ tragedy invites audiences to reflect on their own struggles with inevitability, a theme the proverb succinctly reinforces.
Conclusion
In conclusion, *Oedipus the King* presents fate as an inescapable force, a theme mirrored in the saying “What will hit you will not miss you.” Through Oedipus’ futile resistance and eventual capitulation, Sophocles illustrates the supremacy of destiny over human agency, a concept that resonates with the proverb’s fatalistic outlook. This analysis has highlighted how fate operates as both a narrative driver and a philosophical challenge, questioning the limits of free will while affirming the inevitability of predetermined outcomes. The implications of this study extend to broader reflections on human powerlessness in the face of larger forces, whether divine or existential. Ultimately, both the play and the proverb offer a sobering reminder of life’s unavoidable hardships, urging acceptance over resistance in the face of the inevitable.
References
- Dodds, E.R. (1966) On Misunderstanding the Oedipus Rex. Greece & Rome, 13(1), pp. 37-49.
- Knox, B.M.W. (1957) Oedipus at Thebes: Sophocles’ Tragic Hero and His Time. Yale University Press.
- Segal, C. (2001) Oedipus Tyrannus: Tragic Heroism and the Limits of Knowledge. Oxford University Press.
