Oedipus Rex Light Vs Dark

Sigmund Freud was a Jewish man that developed the theory that he called the Oedipus Complex, he got the name of his theory from the play called Oedipus Rex. In the play Oedipus faced a terrible fate, he married his mother and murdered his father. Although Oedipus Rex was written in 430 b.c it still has a mark on our society. Sophocles uses Oedipus Rex to convey that one should be obedient to the gods. The symbols of light vs. dark and sight vs. blindness help to reinforce this theme. Light vs. dark is a symbol that represents the theme that one should obey the gods, or face serious consequences. In the play Oedipus Rex the author, Sophocles uses the symbol of light vs. dark to represent good vs. evil. An example of dark (evil) is stated by the Priest, “The herds are sick, children die unborn, And labor is vain./ The god of plague and pyre / Raids like detestable lightning through the city” (Prologue, 29-31). Oedipus’ hubris towards his fate as well as being very disobedient. Since Oedipus decided to take that action

Oedipus decided to stay away from his mother and father for many years because of the paranoia the curse was causing him. He is aware of his fate, but is denying the fact that it is true. The gods will always find a way to make sure his prophecy comes true even if Oedipus is trying to prevent it. An example of blindness is stated by Oedipus, “But the blinding hand was my own fate! / How could I bear to see / When all my sight was horror everywhere?” (Strophe 2, 1288-1290) Oedipus was guilty and was in shame because his fate became a reality. He became overwhelmed with guilt allowing him to become mentally unstable. Oedipus physically blinded himself causing him not to see at all. He was blind to his prophecy and now he is physically blind. This causes much of the dramatic irony in the play, which allows the theme of the play to come together as a