Oedipus Blindness Essay

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Recommended: Symbolism and motif of sight and blindness in oedipus rex

In the play, Oedipus Rex, blindness is very important symbolically due to the immense impact blindness has on Oedipus’ views of reality. The prophet Tiresias is physically blind and cannot see the world through his eyes. However, he can “see” the truth even when others like Oedipus, who can actually see, cannot. Oedipus, who is not physically blind, is prevented from seeing the truth because he is so caught up in his own circumstances and perspective of the world. When Oedipus finally opens up his eyes to the world and sees the truth, which has been right in front of him all along, he blinds himself physically. Oedipus inflicts his own blindness on himself because he cannot handle the destruction he caused while he was able to see, but was in denial of the truth. Physical blindness gives Tiresias the ability to see the truth because he is not impaired by his own views of reality where as Oedipus’ blindness, which causes him not to see the truth, destroys his life and the lives of those he cares about.
Although Tiresias is physically blind, he is able to see the truth; something that Oedipus is incapable of doing. Tiresias is a prophet and he can see the reality of every situation. Since Oedipus knows this, Oedipus sends for Tiresias in order to find out who murdered King Laïos. While the two men are speaking, Tiresias tells Oedipus that Oedipus is the man who murdered King Laïos. After hearing this, Oedipus states that Tiresias is lying and tells Tiresias “whatever you say is worthless” (20). Tiresias’ blindness signifies that those who are not able to see are unable to deny the truth. Due to Tiresias’s blindness, he is the only person who is able to see that Oedipus killed his father and married his mother. As demonstrated by Tir...

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...ecause through sight, humans have the ability to see what they choose and can omit what they do not want to see.
Blindness in the play demonstrates how although Oedipus has the ability to see, he chooses not to in order to hide himself from the harsh truths of reality. As demonstrated by Oedipus, it is much easier to create a fake reality then face the harsh reality of life. Tiresias demonstrates how those who are blind have the capability to see the truth because they are not impaired by sight and the fake realities that sight can create. Blindness in the play demonstrates that without the distractions that vision causes, there would not be as many lies and destruction due to this imparity. In the play Oedipus has trouble facing the truth because he is distracted by life while Tiresias, who is blind, is able to see the truth because it is the only thing he can see.

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