Final answer:
Themes from the passage are comparable to those in 'Oedipus the King', including the inescapability of fate, the quest for truth and its dangers, and the punishment of hubris.
Step-by-step explanation:
The theme of the passage in question can be compared to themes from Sophocles' Oedipus the King in several ways. One central theme in Oedipus the King is the inescapability of fate, which is evident when Oedipus attempts to defy the prophecy that he will kill his father and marry his mother. Despite his efforts to avoid this destiny, he ultimately fulfills the prophecy, illustrating the power of fate.
Another theme is the quest for truth and the perils it can bring. Oedipus's relentless search for the murderer of King Laius, which turns out to be himself, leads to his tragic downfall. This theme echoes the passage's mention of a ruinous downfall that comes from trying to evade destiny.
Additionally, hubris or excessive pride is another theme that ties back to Oedipus the King. Oedipus's belief that he can outsmart the gods and alter his fate results in grave consequences. This example illustrates the belief, common in Greek tragedy, that human pride will ultimately be punished by the gods.