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Truth In Sophocles Oedipus The King

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In Sophocles’, Oedipus Rex, truth is clearly seen to hold critical value towards one's perspective. In scene one of Sophocles' play, Teiresias exclaims that, knowledge of the truth can be dreadful "...when there's no help in the truth." This statement is made in relevance of Oedipus' realization of Laios' murder and his own tainted fate. This newfound knowledge does not sway in favor of Oedipus' position as King. The murder of prior ruling figure, Laios, causes Oedipus to fear for his own safety as he is the current reining power of Thebes. Along with the presence of this anxiety, Oedipus also becomes immensely uncertain as he feels powerless in the face of destiny. Having been deprived of this information, Oedipus would have continued to go about his royal duties maintaining his focus on the city. This sequence of events prove Teiresia's claim to be a most accurate idea; when truth holds no advantage to the receiver, it may become an outlet for negativity. …show more content…

Much like Oedipus Rex, the reveal of the truth leads to an appreciation of ignorance. When the truth of racism reaches young Scout, the world begins to appear dark and twisted in once bright eyes that only sought out optimism and justice for all. Scout's loss of child ignorance opens her up to new concepts that ultimately resemble more harm than good. The idea of cruel unreasoned judgment taunts Scout as her newfound realization begins to gain relevance in every aspect of her life, becoming inescapable. Although the ignorance of racism can be just as harmful to those oppressed as racism itself, the development of Scout's outlook on society causes her significant distress making child ignorance seem like a twisted

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