Symbolism and Theme in Oedipus Rex Buddha once said, ¨Three things cannot be hidden: the sun, the moon, and the truth" (Buddha Quotes). Buddha’s quote discusses what is true in life and what can not be concealed, both literally and metaphorically. The sun and moon are eternally prevalent, as well as the truth, which must never be hidden. In other words, the same way one can not stop the sun and moon from coming out, one can not stop the truth from coming out as well. The story of Oedipus Rex has an overall theme that not all who have sight can see the truth. The theme is portrayed through various symbols. The first symbol is the metaphorical difference between blindness of truth opposed to knowledge of the truth. The second symbol is the allusion …show more content…
While speaking to Creon about the Murder of King Laius, Oedipus states, “Then once more, I must bring what is dark to light” (Parados.312). Oedipus’ quote metaphorically refers to finding out what is not known. What is in the dark, is what he does not know, which he will find out, or bring to Light. In his case, he does not know that it was he who murdered King Laius, his biological father. During an argument with Teiresias, Oedipus proclaims to him, “You child of endless night! You cannot hurt me or any other man who sees the sun” (1.321). Once again, Oedipus creates irony through his statement. He insults Teiresias’ condition and states that he is a wicked, blind man. If one refers to the Sun as the truth in Oedipus’ life, it is Oedipus, in reality, who does not see the sun. Despite Teiresias being blind, he does not tell lies when he speaks to Oedipus about the prophecy. Teiresias reveals to him that his real father was King Laius, and that he was his murdered. He also revealed that his wife, in fact, was his birth mother. All of which Oedipus refuses to believe, so he denies all accusations because he is