The Road to Doom Selfish acts and curious inquiries prove to be dangerous human qualities. Following a display of wit and courage, Oedipus arrives in the city of Thebes, demanding control. It is here that he discovers himself. Curiosity and the promise to uncover King Laios’s murderer drive Oedipus to his doom. Oedipus’s loyalty to his people guides him closer to his truth. Oedipus announces to the people of Thebes, “I will help …showed first 75 words of 905 total…

…showed last 75 words of 905 total…of ultimate knowledge, and spirals downward at that instant. By neglecting advice and pursuing his thirst for knowledge, Oedipus ultimately causes his own self-destruction. He is able to quench his mind with understanding, but at the same times, his emotions of guilt and grief overtake him. As he realizes his truth, Oedipus gouges his eyes as a punishment for his moral crimes. The oracles speak truth; the gods are never wrong, and fate is predetermined.