Literary critics are quick to analyze Sophocles’ Oedipus the King for the play’s use of dramatic irony and components of a Greek tragedy; however, they often fail to identify the dismal representation of the blindness disability. On the other hand, Kuusisto’s chapter “Airports” strictly adheres to a theme of a man’s social struggles while living with disability. Despite their different mediums, Sophocles and Kuusisto represent blindness in a similar derogatory light. In this essay, I will argue that Oedipus depicts the blindness disability through the symbolic/religious model, whereas “Airports” paint the blindness disability through the social model, with minimal medical representation. In the symbolic model, disability in an individual is …show more content…
To no surprise, characters view the blindness disability in two characters, Tiresias and Oedipus, with association to another aspect, whether it be a character trait or divine inspiration. Initially, the prophet Tiresias’ blindness is portrayed positively, associated as wisdom and as a gift from the Gods. The chorus perceives Tiresias as insightful and knowledgably; however, Oedipus begins to describe Tiresias and his blindness in a negative light once tensions rise. Becoming increasingly paranoid of his fate, Oedipus accuses Creon and Tiresias of conspiring to overthrow him as king of Thebes. Oedipus even states he would pin Laius’ murder on Tiresias had he not been blind. Oedipus’ accusations against Tiresias suggest that Oedipus views Tiresias’ blindness as lack of integrity and ability to decipher the truth. By the end of play, Oedipus has stabbed both of his eyes with his mother’s brooch, rendering him permanently blind. Oedipus’ new found blindness is branded a divine punishment. As Oedipus is describing the rationale for his actions, he expresses, “And with these eyes have looked upon my father Or on my mother; such things have I done To them, death is no worthy punishment Or could I look for pleasure in the sight Of my own children, barn at