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Oedipus The King Research Paper

743 Words3 Pages

Oedipus The King, written by Sophocles, conveys the message that a man’s fate can not be changed, but being ignorant to the truth can result with the worst consequences. When Tiresias, a blind prophet, discloses the truth to Oedipus about the murderer of Laius, Oedipus reacts the way every man would, spurning the truth which would ruin his life. Oedipus turns on a loyal friend of many years, Creon, after being accused of doing the unthinkable, killing Laius. After hearing the news that Polybus, Oedipus’ “father” has died, he believes he has beaten the prophecy, only to soon learn was blind to the truth his entire life. Oedipus believes he is the exemplar for whom every man should be, but what is hidden from him makes him the contrary, a man abhorred by all others. …show more content…

When the truth of who killed Oedipus is revealed to himself and the people of Thebes, Oedipus is repulsive. Oedipus accuses Tiresias of doing what was accused of him, killing Laius, the preceding king of Thebes. Oedipus must act like a king would in this situation and responds to Tiresias telling him, “Oh truth has strength, but you have none. You have blind eyes, blind ears, and a blind brain.” (31) Oedipus feels his hatred for Tiresias building up and would never be able to accept this terrible fate. He refuses to accept the truth, being blind to what he has done, who his parents are, and the outcome of the

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