Blindness to Fate: Oedipus is destined to fulfill a prophecy that he will kill his father and marry his mother, as foretold by the oracle. However, he is unaware of this fate and his role in the prophecy.
Lack of Self-Reflection: Oedipus is often characterized by his stubbornness and pride, which prevent him from reflecting critically on his own actions. He tends to dismiss or overlook information that contradicts his beliefs.
Selective Memory: Oedipus's mind seems to selectively remember or forget certain events to conform to his understanding of reality. He may have unconsciously suppressed the details of the encounter on his way to Thebes to avoid facing the truth.
Desire for Vengeance: In his pursuit of justice and finding the truth about Laius's murder, Oedipus may have been consumed by the desire for vengeance rather than seeking the complete picture. His focus may have narrowed, preventing him from making logical connections.
Manipulation by Others: Certain individuals, such as Tiresias, attempt to reveal the truth to Oedipus, but their warnings are often obscured, misunderstood, or ignored due to external manipulations.
Dramatic Irony: Oedipus's inability to see the connection also serves as a dramatic device in the play. The audience witnesses the tragedy unfold as Oedipus's actions unknowingly unravel the truth, which he fails to recognize until the climactic moment of realization.
These factors collectively contribute to Oedipus's inability to perceive the connection between the events and the role he played in the fulfillment of the prophecy.