Red Room Where the Writers Are

The assignment I am writing is quite clear: Is Oedipus responsible for his fate?

Well, I think there can be both ways to this question:

• Firstly, maybe - If Oedipus could have been less vain, possibly there could have been a chance that he didn't meet such an awful fate. He was eotistical and was filled with a false pride for he defeated the sphinx, unfortunately, this made him make the horrendous conclusion that he was "the child of fortune" and that all his problems would disappear forever if he kept on keeping his self-belief. He never properly investigated the facts and even before he became the Theban King his anger was enormous and killing the Old Man, Laius (ironically), had made part of the prediction a reality. So, it was his belief he was a demi-god that made his end.
•  Secondly, no it wasn't at all - It was all the Oracle Of delphi's fault. Though he made the prediction of Oedipus's life he did not speak with clarity making Oedipus believe that his adoptive parents' home was in peril if he should ever return. Thus, he traveled to Thebes, on the way he had unknowingly killed his true father, and he then married his true mother, Jocasta.

Either way I believe Oedipus was always a victim. His tale is too sad and I believe that he is quite a victim to matters that are beyond his understanding.