Motif Of Blindness In Oedipus
Blindness can mean that someone is unable to see or someone does not know the truth. Blindness in Oedipus means that someone does not know the truth. Blindness serves as a motif in multiple ways in Oedipus the King. The motif of blindness in Oedipus the King, written by Sophocles in 430 B.C., keeps Oedipus and Jocasta from the truth they are seeking.
Oedipus, the leader of Thebes, believes he is the best leader of the city, yet he is blind to the fact that someone might rule Thebes better than him. In the story, Tiresias, the blind prophet, points out to Oedipus that his leadership is not as strong as he thinks. Oedipus believes Tiresias is challenging his authority, and in doing so, claiming to be more intelligent. Oedipus responds to this
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Jocasta finds out that Oedipus is also her son. When she found out about Oedipus being her child, Jocasta “ ‘broken in through the gates, dashing past us, frantic, whipped to fury, ripping her hair out with both hands--straight to her rooms she rushed, flinging herself across the bridal-bed. . .’ “ (315). Jocasta dashes into her room because she is frighten to the fact that Oedipus is her son. Jocasta not accepting that Oedipus is her son and husband means that she is hiding from the truth.
Oedipus thinks that Polybus is his father; however, Polybus might not be his actual father. The Messenger and Oedipus discuss about Oedipus’ parents, and the messenger tries to tell Oedipus the truth by declaring ,“ ‘[Oedipus] you’d be covered with guilt, from both your parents.’ . . . ‘Don’t you know? You’ve really nothing to fear.’ ‘But why? If I’m their son--Merope, Polybus?’ ‘Polybus was nothing to you, . . . not in blood’ “ (305). The Messenger attempts to inform Oedipus that Polybus is not his actual father, but Oedipus is hidden from the truth his whole life. Oedipus is blind to the truth about his real family.
Oedipus and Jocasta can not seek the hidden truths in Oedipus the King. Many life lessons are found in this important piece of literature. Blindness can mean many things, but blindness can keep people away from the
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Odysseus As A Skilled Leader In The Odyssey By Homer
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Examples Of Sight And Blindness In Oedipus The King
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