Answer
Jocasta and Oedipus both initially reject the idea that their fates are predetermined, yet both characters shift in their beliefs over the course of the play. Jocasta, at first, dismisses prophecies and oracles as unreliable, while Oedipus believes he can outmaneuver fate through his actions.
Explanation
In "Oedipus Rex," Jocasta attempts to comfort Oedipus and reduce his anxiety about the prophecies by telling him that a prophecy about her own son never came true, as she believes her son was abandoned and died as an infant. This shows her initial skepticism towards the inevitability of fate and oracles. However, as the truth about Oedipus’s origin and his actions comes to light, her belief in her ability to control fate diminishes, leading to her ultimate despair. Similarly, Oedipus is initially confident that he can evade the prophecy that he will kill his father and marry his mother by leaving Corinth. He trusts in his own decision-making and ability to change his destiny. Nonetheless, as the play progresses, Oedipus’s confidence in controlling his fate is shattered when he realizes that he has fulfilled the prophecy despite his efforts to avoid it. This realization dramatically shifts his perspective on fate and free will.