Oedipus the King Blindness and Essay

Open, View, and/or
Download this Document

Total Length: 621 words ( 2 double-spaced pages)

Total Sources: 1

Page 1 of 2



Teiresias, as a blind prophet, represented the Fate of Oedipus, who was 'blinded' by his inability to accept his fate; the prophet also symbolized the literal 'blindness' of Oedipus at the end of the novel. As the blind prophet, Teiresias' knowledge about Oedipus' real identity prompted him to allude only, and not directly identify, to Oedipus the identity of Laius' murderer: "Thou art the man / Thou the accursed polluter of this land... thou art the murderer of the man / Whose murderer thou pursuest." Sophocles' use of the words "polluter," "murderer," and "pursuest" reflects the role Oedipus plays, which includes being the murdered of Laius, 'usurpation' of the title of King of Thebes, and as the persecutor of Laius' killer (himself).

Paradox is also present in the dialogue, particularly when Oedipus informed the Chorus and the prophet of his intentions to bring to justice Laius' death: "One course alone could rid us of the pest / to find the murderers of Laius / and slay them or expel them from the land." This passage is ironic in that Oedipus intended to punish the Laius' killer, unaware that it was him who killed the former king. The theme of Fate resounds in the play through Teiresias' reluctance to reveal to Oedipus the truth, especially his want to know and discover everything about himself and Liaus' death (".

Stuck Writing Your "Oedipus the King Blindness And" Essay?

View All Our Example Oedipus the King Blindness and Essay

Have A Custom Example Essay Written

..what misery to be wise / When wisdom profits nothing... Poor fool to utter gibes at me which all / Here present will cast back on thee ere long." It was at this point in the play that figurative blindness and pursuit of truth clashed, and eventually resulted to Oedipus' downfall towards moral and literal blindness.

Works.....

Show More ⇣

     Open the full completed essay and source list


OR

     Order a one-of-a-kind custom essay on this topic


sample essay writing service

Cite This Resource:

Latest APA Format (6th edition)

Copy Reference
"Oedipus The King Blindness And" (2008, December 02) Retrieved June 5, 2026, from
https://www.aceyourpaper.com/essays/oedipus-king-blindness-26227

Latest MLA Format (8th edition)

Copy Reference
"Oedipus The King Blindness And" 02 December 2008. Web.5 June. 2026. <
https://www.aceyourpaper.com/essays/oedipus-king-blindness-26227>

Latest Chicago Format (16th edition)

Copy Reference
"Oedipus The King Blindness And", 02 December 2008, Accessed.5 June. 2026,
https://www.aceyourpaper.com/essays/oedipus-king-blindness-26227
   

Open, View, and/or
Download this Document
order custom essay example