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The Nature of Oedipus the King

Symptoms creeps up her and there but Oedipus being in denial refuses to see. In fact, Tiresias is right. Before we know for sure Oedipus displays insensitivity to killing his father but blocks it from his thoughts never contemplating the harm his in this moral blindness. It occurs to Oedipus that he once killed a man at a crossroad when Jocasta, Oedipus's wife, reveals to him her late husband Laius was killed at a place where three roads meet. The truth is indirectly being exposed to Oedipus but it seems he cannot connect the dots. Is Sophocles trying to tell us there can be some disclosure to this this nature of blindness if we can think deep within ourselves and consciously try to unravel what is unconsciously presented to us? But then the denial state of mind blocks him from sight once again, "I have a terrible fear the blind seer can see. I'll know in a moment"(823-24). The answer is right in front of Oedipus but he seeks this servant that gave Jocasto this information to hear him from his mouth, "He is my last hope- I am waiting for this shepherd. He's crucial. If it turns out his story matches yours, I've escaped the worst"" (926-930). You might ask: how could one be so blind even when the image is painted clear as day for him? But you have to understand when one has set his outlook on something other than the truth and becomes so realistically jaded from reality it is hard to see what is right in front of you.
             Sophocles demonstrates the harm in being emotionally blind when Oedipus finally wakes up from his denial and reality begins to set in his thinking. When the truth is tangibly revealed to Oedipus, he comprehends that the man he killed at the crossroads was actually his biological father who was also his wife's late husband. He knows what is coming to him and begins to feel unworthy. At that moment light finally sets into Oedipus's eye but his punishment begins to set in.


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(Oedipus the King Prologue 43-46). ... As any good king should Oedipus promises, "You shall see how I stand by you, as I should, To avenge the city and the city's god By avenging the murdered king- (Oedipus the King Prologue 138-143). ... With Teiresias" true knowledge of Oedipus" origin and true identity he tries to advise Oedipus, "How dreadful knowledge of the truth can be- (Oedipus the King 1.101). ... (Oedipus the King 1.144-149, 1.222). ... Therefore Oedipus" actions can be said to be of human nature and of free will not willed from a divine source. ...

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2. Oedipus

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