Oedipus The King: Images Of Blindness Essay Example.
Sophocles introduces the Greek tragedy Oedipus the King using this literary technique moving on to develop the concept of blindness and sight. In fact, this text deals with the idea of blindness and sight revealed by a character both literally and figuratively.
The life of Oedipus In the play Oedipus The King written by Sophocles, it is the blind man who can see the truth of Oedipus and Jocasta’s relationship and it is those that see, Oedipus and Jocasta, who are blind to the truth. When Oedipus finally sees the truth of his actions, he blinds himself in horror.
Hence, the blind prophet had had the vision to see this chapter of Oedipus’ fate with clarity: indeed, Oedipus had killed his own father. Oedipus’ continues on his journey and because he is able to solve the riddle of the Sphinx, he ends up becoming the King of Thebes, while still being oblivious to the drama that has played out with Laius in his narrative.
In the dictionary, blindness is defined as unable to see; lacking the sense of sight; but the second definition of blindness is defined as, unwilling or unable to perceive or understand. As read in the play, blindness is seen as a central theme. Not speaking of only physical blindness, but blindness as to understanding what’s in front of Oedipus.
Essay Blindness: Oedipus, Blindness, And Blindness Blindness can be classified as either physical or intellectual blindness, both of these are significantly important and can have a great impact on an individual’s life. In the play Oedipus Rex by Sophocles, blindness is the main theme that revolves around the characters in the play.
Oedipus’ tragedy is emphasized by his self-inflicted blindness. Upon Oedipus leaving the palace, the choragos reacts to “suffering that sends terror through men’s eyes, terrible beyond any suffering” (Sophocles 1312).
In Oedipus the King, however, when Oedipus learns that it is he who must be cast out to save Thebes from the plague, he immediately agrees to submit to the decree and leave the city. His decision seems partially motivated by an intense sense of shame and horror, but throughout the play Oedipus has demonstrated his commitment to his people, and his choice of exile seems equally driven by his.