Their simple question whether Oedipus was “blind from birth” is loaded with meaning. In fact, he was metaphorically blind to the truth of his birth for much of his life ; when Oedipus finally learned the truth, he physically blinded himself by poking out his eyes with the long gold pins from his dead wife's brooches.
What is the role of blindness and sight in Sophocles Oedipus Rex?
In Oedipus Rex, the theme of sight and blindness is revealed through Oedipus's metaphorical and literal blindness. At the beginning of the play, Oedipus can physically see but is blind to the reality of his past . At the end of the play, he is so ashamed of the truth of his past that he physically blinds himself.
What is ironic about Oedipus being blind?
Ironic because Oedipus Rex becomes blind too . The prophet can see the future, trying to avoid the future made it come true. ... Oedipus keeps seeing things incorrectly as if he was blind, his anger blinds him. It would not be until Oedipus himself was physically blind that he would see the error of his ways.
How does Oedipus explain his decision to blind himself?
Oedipus' decision to blind himself is very symbolic. Because of his hubris, he was blind to all of the warning signs about the path he was travelling. He refused to see. In the end, when all is brough to light, he blinds himself, so he finishes the play literally as blind as he figuratively was throughout.
What is the theme of sight and blindness in Oedipus?
Theme Of Blindness In Oedipus
The symbolism of sight versus blindness motif is a representation of the idea of knowledge versus ignorance . Sophocles uses this important motif as the tragic flaw of Oedipus that leads him to a path of utter suffering. Oedipus is very sure about who he is and where he has come from.
What line does Oedipus blind himself?
The metaphor of eyes, seeing and blindness by Sophocles is used extensively thoughout the text. When Teiresias tells Oedipus that he is the killer that he seeks, Oedipus tells him in line 503 “You have no truth, you're blind.
How does Oedipus see himself?
At the opening of Sophocles's Oedipus Rex, Oedipus views himself as a “world-renowned king” and as zealous, ruthless, and obdurate in the pursuit of truth. Oedipus also believes that he has a greater depth of feeling than any of his people.
Is Tiresias blind?
Tiresias, in Greek mythology, a blind Theban seer , the son of one of Athena's favourites, the nymph Chariclo. He is a participant in several well-known legends.
How is Jocasta blind to the truth?
Blindness in Oedipus Rex & Hamlet: Conclusion
After gaining sight of ‘truth,' he gouges his eyes, becoming physically blind. Jocasta, on her part, knows the truth but chooses to ‘ blind ‘ herself towards the same; she kills herself as a result.
How is Oedipus metaphorically blind?
In this play, a now physically blind Oedipus is guided by his daughter, Antigone. ... In fact, he was metaphorically blind to the truth of his birth for much of his life ; when Oedipus finally learned the truth, he physically blinded himself by poking out his eyes with the long gold pins from his dead wife's brooches.
Does Oedipus marry his mother?
Years passed, during which Oedipus had four children with Jocasta. Oedipus found out that he killed Laius, his father, and married his mother, Jocasta.
What was Oedipus punishment?
The simple answer is that Oedipus is guilty of two crimes: killing the king and incest . ... Oedipus is certainly guilty of these crimes, but it seems unreasonable to give him the most extreme punishment. After all, he had no idea he was committing them.
What is the moral of Oedipus Rex?
The moral of Oedipus Rex is that one cannot control one's own destiny and that pride leads to downfall .
What is the paradox of blindness?
Paradox of Blindness: A seeming contradiction; whatever sounds impossible yet is in fact possible . Teiresias, the blind prophet, is has powers of insight. Oedipus, who is physically able to see, is accused of being blind to the truth.
What is Oedipus tragic flaw?
Oedipus fits this precisely, for his basic flaw is his lack of knowledge about his own identity . Moreover, no amount of foresight or preemptive action could remedy Oedipus' hamartia; unlike other tragic heroes, Oedipus bears no responsibility for his flaw.
What is sight a metaphor for in Oedipus?
Oedipus Rex is a sad tragedy in which Sophocles clearly demonstrates the metaphor of sight and insight, which shows that for one to see the truth and/or reality, one does not need physical sight . Oedipus was ignorant of his reality regardless of his vision. Teiresias, then again, could simply see the truth.
