Introduction
This essay explores the concept of fate in Sophocles’ ancient Greek tragedy, *Oedipus the King*, through the lens of the saying, “What will hit you will not miss you.” The play, written around 429 BCE, centres on Oedipus, a man who, despite his efforts, cannot escape a prophesied destiny of killing his father and marrying his mother. The chosen saying encapsulates the inevitability of fate, suggesting that predetermined events will occur regardless of human intervention. This analysis will examine how Sophocles portrays fate as an unstoppable force, assess Oedipus’ attempts to defy it, and consider the broader implications of the saying in relation to the tragic narrative. By engaging with scholarly interpretations, the essay aims to provide a sound understanding of fate’s role in the play and its resonance with universal human struggles against predestination.
The Inevitability of Fate in Oedipus the King
In *Oedipus the King*, fate is presented as an immutable force orchestrated by divine will, as evidenced through the Delphic Oracle’s prophecies. The Oracle’s prediction—that Oedipus will murder his father, Laius, and marry his mother, Jocasta—sets the tragic framework of the play. Despite Oedipus’ and his parents’ attempts to circumvent this destiny by abandoning him as an infant and later fleeing Corinth, the prophecy is fulfilled. This reflects the ancient Greek belief in *moira*, or fate, as an inescapable power beyond human control. As Dodds (1966) notes, Sophocles uses the Oracle not merely as a plot device but as a symbol of divine inevitability, highlighting that human agency is futile against cosmic design. Indeed, every action Oedipus takes to avoid his fate—such as leaving what he believes to be his home—ironically propels him closer to it, illustrating the saying “what will hit you will not miss you” in a literal and tragic sense.
Oedipus’ Struggle Against Destiny
Oedipus’ character embodies a profound resistance to fate, driven by his intellect and determination. Upon learning of the prophecy, he resolves to outwit it, believing he can alter his path through rational choice. However, his efforts are tragically undermined by his ignorance of his true parentage. For instance, his decision to kill a stranger at a crossroads—later revealed as Laius—fulfils the very prophecy he sought to escape. This irony, as Knox (1957) argues, underscores the limitations of human knowledge when pitted against divine omniscience. Oedipus’ struggle reflects a broader human tendency to resist predestination, yet Sophocles suggests that such resistance is ultimately futile. The saying “what will hit you will not miss you” thus resonates here, implying that Oedipus’ fate was always destined to strike, regardless of his actions.
Broader Implications of the Saying
The adage “what will hit you will not miss you” extends beyond the individual tragedy of Oedipus to offer a commentary on human helplessness in the face of greater forces. In the context of the play, it suggests a worldview where acceptance of fate may be wiser than resistance. While modern audiences might interpret this as fatalistic, for the ancient Greeks, it aligned with their cultural reverence for divine order. Furthermore, the saying invites reflection on whether fate operates similarly in contemporary life—whether through genetics, socio-economic conditions, or other deterministic factors. As such, it remains a pertinent lens through which to view Oedipus’ story, bridging ancient and modern understandings of inevitability. However, a limitation of this perspective, as some critics note, is its potential to diminish the value of human effort and moral responsibility (Segal, 1981).
Conclusion
In conclusion, *Oedipus the King* presents fate as an inescapable force, a theme powerfully echoed by the saying “what will hit you will not miss you.” Through Oedipus’ futile attempts to evade his destiny, Sophocles illustrates the limits of human agency against divine will, a concept central to ancient Greek thought. The analysis has shown how the Oracle’s prophecies and Oedipus’ tragic irony embody this inevitability, while also prompting broader reflections on fate’s relevance across time. Ultimately, the play and the saying together suggest that some events are beyond human control, raising profound questions about free will and acceptance. For modern readers, this intersection of fate and human struggle remains a compelling area for further exploration, particularly in how it challenges notions of autonomy in an often unpredictable world.
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. (1981) Tragedy and Civilization: An Interpretation of Sophocles. Harvard University Press.
