The Theme Of Blindness In Oedipus Rex

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Blindness unable to see, lacking sense of sight or unable to perceive or understand. This symbolic theme is common in many tragic Greek playwrights; the tragic hero begins at the center of his society and ends at the margins. This may be a familiar concept as it is an evident irony throughout many Greek plays, including Sophocles written play Oedipus Rex. This play begins in a condition of harmony that subsequently disintegrates by the end, leaving the main character Oedipus feeling destroyed and isolated. This play is filled with rising action as the king of Thebes Oedipus finds himself losing his power and sense of self as a series of events begin to unravel a murder mystery. The focus of this essay will be on exploring the theme of blindness Oedipus Rex is a classic playwright with an underlying theme of blindness throughout the play. The portrayal of blindness in both the outsider Tiresias and Oedipus the king of Thebes is a clear motif in both of these characters. Sophocles presents both “Are all unknowing; my say, in any sort. I will not say, lest I display thy sorrow.” (Sophocles, 12) Throughout the play Tiresias is trying to resist Oedipus’ authority; he does not want to reveal what he knows because it will ultimately ruin Oedipus’ life. He tries to tell Oedipus that there is no reason to share the truth because everything will happen for a reason. Oedipus’ anger grows, and there becomes a battle for power. “You can not hurt me/ nor any other who beholds the light” (Sophocles, 15) Both of the characters are very vulnerable at this point, Tiresias is already physically blind and is losing power as Oedipus continues to insult him, and question his truthfulness. Tiresias knows that the options are getting narrower and that he must act and tell Oedipus the truth about the prophecy. So he reveals that Oedipus is the murder of king Laius. Oedipus has now come to the realization that he is in the wrong and that he must blame himself for his actions. The debate between Oedipus and Tiresias and the search for the murder has now ceased. Tiresias was able to draw strength from what he knows to be true and stood by his knowledge. Knowing the truth about Oedipus allows him to be a very symbolic character and act as a catalyst for his fate. Oedipus is then exiled away from Thebes and gouges out his eyes, which reflects the theme and irony of blindness

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