According to E.R. Dodds in his essay "On Misunderstanding the Oedipus Rex," although Oedipus' fate was foretold, it was not decreed that he would know the truth. He was destined to kill his father and marry his mother, but the gods did not indicate that he would know what he had done. In fact, he has fulfilled the prophecy by the time the play begins despite his efforts to thwart his fate.
His own arrogance and pride are responsible for the tragedy he suffers. Because he feels so proud that he alone was able to solve the riddle of the sphinx and save Thebes, he is certain that only he can once again save the city, this time from the plague. He ruthlessly pursues the truth, determined to discover the identity of the murderer of King Laius when he learns that that the plague is the result of that man's presence in the city. Ironically, of course, he is unaware that the man he seeks is himself. Although Tiresias tries to dissuade him from this search, Oedipus persists, even accusing the old prophet and Creon of conspiring against him. Oedipus loses all reason and disregards everyone's advice, even Jocasta's, when she suspects the truth earlier than he does.
Nothing in the prophecy indicates that Oedipus will learn that he has killed his father and married his mother. The gods allow him some degree of free will, and unfortunately, he chooses to learn the awful truth.
You can read Dodds' essay by using the website below where a professor has provided a copy:
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