In 'Oedipus Rex', what is the central conflict that drives the tragedy of Oedipus?

The central conflict that drives the tragedy of 'Oedipus Rex' is rooted in fate and prophecy. The story revolves around Oedipus's attempt to escape a dreadful prophecy that foretells he will kill his father and marry his mother. This conflict embodies the theme of fate versus free will, as Oedipus's determined efforts to avoid his destiny ultimately lead him to fulfill it.

Oedipus's character is marked by a deep quest for truth and knowledge, as he relentlessly seeks to uncover the cause of the plague afflicting Thebes. However, this quest is intimately intertwined with the prophesied fate he is trying to escape, making the prophecy the core of the tragedy. As Oedipus learns more about his origins and the implications of the prophecy, his identity and actions lead to his inevitable downfall, underscoring the power of fate in human existence.

In contrast, while descent into madness and struggles against the gods are elements present in the story, they serve more as manifestations of the central conflict rather than the primary driving force behind the tragedy itself. Oedipus's story is a poignant exploration of how human beings confront predetermined fate and the tragic consequences of that confrontation.