In Sophocles' play, "Oedipus Rex," the idea of a fated man is apparent; illustrating the consequences of free will. Adamant in their belief of free will many people live out their lives unaware that the free will which governs their lives is indeed fated. Although Oedipus' life is guided by fate it is his own free will that contributes to his poor judgment, stubbornness and blind rage and will ultimately lead to his downfall. Oedipus Rex is the story of a Theban king who is in search of the murderer or murderers of his predecessor King Laios in order to lift a plague off the city of Thebes. During his investigation Oedipus learns that he is the sought murderer of King Laius, his birth father. Not only has he killed his father but he has married and produced children with his mother, Queen Jocasta. Horrified by his actions, Oedipus blinds and banishes himself from Thebes. Both these acts were prophesied to Laios, Jocasta and Oedipus years earlier at separate times in their lives. Although the fate of prophecy caused the circumstances surrounding Oedipus' actions it is his own free will that brings about his poor judgment. Oedipus' poor judgement is highlighted at different times throughout the play. An example of poor judgment is when Oedipus decides to confront his parents, King Polybus and Queen Merope of Corinth, about his identity after listening to the cries of a drunken stranger claiming Polybus, Oedipus' adopted father] not to be Oedipus's father. Even Though his parents try to reassure him by "calling it all the rants of a slanderous fool  (729). Oedipus in unsatisfied with their answer and decides to seek an answer from the god at Delphi. Instead of getting the answer he sought, Oedipus is told about the prophecy on his life. He then make the impetuous decision to leave Corinth and never return. The decision to leave Corinth quickly shows Oedipus' poor judgment. There is no real reason for Oedipus to leave Corinth, whether he stayed or left it was his fate to kill his father. Perhaps he would have done better by choosing to stay and investigate his identity from within Corinth. There are some scholars who believe because the fate of Oedipus Rex is predetermined then so are his choices. Anne Paolucci, author of "The Oracles Are Dumb Or Cheat  states "All theses so called ˜choices' are in reality consequences of a decision made long before  (242). Simply stated Paolucci believes not only the fate of Oedipus but also his decision making is predetermined. Paolucci makes a strong case, however she needs to be reminded although Oedipus' life is fated, he is given free will to make his own choices. But, Paolucci's belief makes a strong argument for Oedipus' decision to marry Jocasta especially when the questions surrounding their marriage are: why would anyone choose to marry someone they know