His flaws led to his tragic downfall; however, these flaws originated from his unfortunate and uncompromising fate. A great cloud of anguish hangs over Oedipus when he realizes his terrible fate. “O terrible fate for men to see, O most terrible of all that has met my eyes!” (144). Oedipus declares himself a victim of fate, but cannot understand why his was so terrible. It is in the recognition of the truth that the reader experiences empathy for Oedipus. The reader feels this because he too knows that this pitiful conclusion came only from fate, not from some irresponsible person