Figurative Imagery In Oedipus

Throughout time, literature has played a large part in today 's civilization. Correspondingly, literature has become the fuel for readers by enabling them access to their infinite imagination. In addition, it allows readers to explore new ideas, feelings and imagery within their imagination. In fact, imagery is one of the greatest gifts an author can present to its readers. Within any form of writing, imagery is everywhere. Whether it is descriptive or figurative, imagery surrounds the reader, drawing them into the writer 's vast world of imagination. Although it can be commonly used to create a simple visual for readers, it can also allow a connotation; thus offering the readers further understanding behind specific imagery used within a select

Unlike Literal imagery, figurative imagery provides readers with a deeper connotation of the piece they are exploring, as well allowing them to uncover more information through the use of symbolism, and themes conveyed through figurative imagery. Similarly, in “Oedipus Rex” Young communicates to the readers the underlying theme of blindness through Oedipus. Oedipus is the main character within the play. Although Oedipus considers himself a hero in the eyes of Thebes, he is in fact the destroyer of it. Due to a prophecy of his own undoing, Thebes begins to suffer under the wrath of the gods due to Oedipus’s actions. However, instead of literal imagery used, Young develops the theme further through the use of Oedipus’s figurative blindness. “You see not, and yet blame me!” (13). In this quote made by Tiresias, it is evident that although Oedipus is not physically disabled like him, he is still blind to the notion that Thebes undoing is because of him. Similarly, it is evident that Tiresias refers to the fact that no blind man could kill another man, yet a seeing man with a blinding persona, such as Oedipus himself, is unable to see his own undoing. Unwilling to see what is in front of him, Oedipus is blind to the fact that he is the true murderer of Laius, the old king. Furthermore, through the use of imagery, it is evident that the theme of blindness is ever present with the use of both

Through the literal and figurative imagery used, it is evident that Oedipus’s metaphoric blindness and Tiresias’s physical blindness not only adds to the theme of Blindness itself, but in doing so, it plays a major role in creating a connotation to the readers through the symbolism used to contribute to the overall theme of the play. Similarly, whether a piece of imagery is literal or figurative, it allows readers into the world of the writer 's imagination, drawing them deeper into the piece presented. Not only does imagery allow readers to be creative with their own imaginations, but it enables them to explore a deeper undertone in which, additional information behind the select piece of imagery can be discovered. Finally, whether a reader is called upon to use their imagination or in doing so, discover a deeper philosophy within a piece of work, imagery surrounds us. It guides readers on an adventure through the author 's world of creativity, conveying different meanings, feelings, and themes behind every word that is left on every