Oedipus the King by Sophocles is an Athenian tragedy written around 430 BC. It was written during the transition from Athenian hegemony to its decline. It was a time and place where people mostly believed everything they were told. No one questioned anything, not only because of their lack of intellectual exploration, but also because they were forced to believe what their leader wanted. The fate of the gods was one of these beliefs imposed on people. These same people sincerely believed that it was the will of the Gods which scripted the results of all the events of life. As the tragedy came to light, people in this changing culture began to see life differently and question just about everything. Democracy was just beginning to take over as traditional Athenian tradition slowly faded away. Philosophers began to emerge and educate anyone who would listen about the infinite possibilities of what life is and could be. Only a few hundred years ago, people who taught these ideas or were privy to this information had to keep a low profile for fear of hellish punishments that included executions. Although still frowned upon and illegal, it became easier to get away with this type of teaching as democracy developed. It was the beginning of an enlightenment. Oedipus the King is significant in that he shows his country a changing culture and values. Oedipus the King emphasizes that destiny and character are closely linked and illustrates that self-knowledge is essential to understanding one's place in the universe. It is a person's behavior that determines his destiny, not God's intervention. However, Sophocles has faith in a higher power. He even believes with free will ... middle of paper ... a refutation of Jocasta's disapproval of the prophecies. The chorus wanted to point out to Oedipus that his pride is the reason for his lack of faith in destiny. Sophocles points this out to show the audience that Oedipus was beginning to fill up on himself. Oedipus went from ruler to tyrant. He no longer sees himself as a human but rather as a God, imagining himself as an exemption from destiny. “Never again will I go with reverence to Delphi, the inviolate heart of the Earth or to the ancient oracle of Apollo at Abae or to Olympia of the Fires unless these prophecies all come true so that all humanity can pointing at them in wonder. (985-990). The author wants the audience to understand the need for proof of destiny. Sophocles later gives the chorus evidence that proves the prophecies about fate. This shows that he believes that one day people will gather the evidence needed to prove that destiny is real..