Comparison Of Knowledge In Prometheus Bound And Oedipus Rex

Truth and knowledge are said to set you free, however, at times they can sometimes further bind you. There is so much power behind knowledge, and in the right hands, it can be both detrimental and beneficial. The theme of knowledge is presented in various situations throughout Prometheus Bound and Oedipus Rex, some revealing the benefits of aiding the search for knowledge and others supporting the concealment of the truth. Morals are said to bind us to speak the truth, nonetheless, at times the truth can cause more harm than good, bringing nothing but hardship. So should people share or conceal information? As seen through Prometheus and Oedipus’ stories, both depict times in which people hold the responsibility to conceal knowledge as it

Having information about a situation allows you to have an advantage over others and not be dependent on the knowledge of others. By concealing the truth, people are free from being controlled by others, as they hold more power within their own minds that others may want. As with Prometheus, Hermes urged him to speak the truth of the prophecy of who would be the descendant that would remove Zeus from his throne and liberate him of his shackles but he refused, knowing that they wouldn’t kill him without them knowing his truth (Aeschylus, Prometheus Bound, 950-980). While Prometheus may be bound to a rock, he is free from the influence of Zeus as he possesses the power of forethought. If a person holds more knowledge than his or her opponent, they cannot be manipulated by them to do things against their will. The opponents are left in the dark while the informed are enlightened granting them an upper hand that can at times protect them from immense suffering. Informers are protected as those after them need them alive to one day find out what the truth they hold is, leading to the obligation to conceal the truth. Having the truth can be compelling, as it allows someone to try to change and control what will occur. It is within human nature to want to control aspects of one’s life if people know these aspects will lead to hardships. Oedipus is an example when he describes his actions, “ When I heard this I fled, and in the days that followed I would measure from the stars the whereabouts of Corinth – yes, I fled to somewhere where I should not see fulfilled the infamies told in that dreadful oracle” (Sophocles, Oedipus Rex, 794-798). When finding out about the prophecy, Oedipus decided to take it upon himself and change his course from the one fate had set for him. Having information allows a person to change their own narrative and assume control of their