Oedipus Rex Sight Not Needed For Knowledge Essay - 741 Words

When we consider a blind person and a person with eyes, we usually deem the latter to be more knowledgeable. This is because they have the gift of sight and can therefore perceive the world around them and have more knowledge. This assumption is proven wrong in the play Oedipus Rex by the Greek writer Sophocles. The plot is about a baby who is born to the king and queen of Thebes with a terrible prophecy hanging above his head. The oracle of Apollo had predicted that the boy would grow up to kill his father and marry his mother. Afraid of the prophecy, the parents decided to kill the boy. But, he survives and lives to fulfill the prophecy. The main part of the play is his quest for his identity and what he does when he learns the truth†¦show more content†¦At first, he does not want to disclose his knowledge, but after pressure from Oedipus, he begins to reveal it. He says, â€Å"†¦I gave him the boy† (1096). Therefore, we know that he was the man who was trusted by the king and queen to kill the baby boy, but instead he pitied the baby and gave him to a messenger from Corinth. He also reveals to Oedipus the baby’s father was Laius and not another royal family member when he says, â€Å"The said it was Laius’ child†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (1106). When he finally puts together the pieces of the puzzle and realizes who Oedipus really is, then he says, â€Å"For if you are what this man says you are, no man living is more wretched than Oedipus† (1116). Therefore, the shepherd is a perfect example of the thesis since he has limited knowledge despite his sight. The third and best character that can be used to prove the thesis is Oedipus. During the majority of his life he has sight, but it grants him very little insight into the consequences of his actions. But later on in his life when he loses his sight, he then has complete knowledge of his actions. As Teiresias, when accused of blindness as a root of ignorance, said, â€Å"But I say that you, with both your eyes are blind†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (399). The accusation is valid because at that point in time, even though Oedipus had eyes and was able to see what he was doing, he was still not able to see the extent of hisShow MoreRelatedHuman Will and the Power of the Gods: Oedipus Rex by Sophocles1363 Words   |  6 Pagesaccomplished only by some. Sophocles’ Oedipus Rex is considered today as one of the greatest tragedies produced by an author during this time. Carefully crafted motifs, character-developing monologues, and poignant irony all combine to create a tragedy that leaves readers stunned and grieving for poor Oedipus. 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