answersLogoWhite

0

Sophocles [496 B.C.E.* - 406 B.C.E.] explores the contrast of blindness and vision in 'Oedipus Rex' for dramatic effect and for a touch of realism. Realistically speaking, humans tend to rely greatly on what they observe with the senses, and most particularly through the sense of sight. Indeed, there's the saying that 'seeing is believing'. But there also is the cautionary 'appearances are deceiving'.

Both sayings are explored in 'Oedipus Rex', to the detriment of all of the main characters except for the blind prophet Teiresias. All of the other characters see and therefore suffer from flawed observations and faulty conclusions. The saying 'the blind leading the blind' takes on new meaning in regard to Teiresias. Only he among Thebans can't see, and yet he never is wrong or misguided over what he observes through his other senses.

*Before the Christian Era

He uses it when Tiresias is introduced. Since Tiresias is in fact blind and is a prophet makes Oedipus have a reason to not believe him. There are many quotes that can be found that exemplify this. Oedipus does not believe him when he says that Oedipus is the cause of the plague on Thebes. Oedipus retaliates to this insult to his royalty by insisting that since Tiresias is blind there is no way for him to be right when Oedipus can see and he cannot.

User Avatar

Wiki User

14y ago

What else can I help you with?

Continue Learning about Performing Arts

What does Oedipus sacrifice in 'Oedipus Rex'?

His sight is what Oedipus sacrifices in "Oedipus Rex" by Sophocles (495 B.C.E. - 405 B.C.E.).Specifically, Theban King Oedipus comes to the realization that he is not who he thinks he is. He knows that this prophesied fate as his father's killer and his mother's husband holds true. He realizes that the facts of his life are right in his face and decides to sacrifice his faulty vision for a hopefully more insightful sightless existence.


What makes Oedipus angry at his two sons in 'Oedipus Rex'?

It is because he believes they do not help him that Oedipus becomes angry with his sons in "Oedipus Rex" by Sophocles (495 B.C.E. - 405 B.C.E.).Specifically, Theban King Oedipus loses his home, his job, his spouse and his vision. His twin sons Eteocles and Polyneices inherit the throne despite their father's criminal acts and immoral behavior. Oedipus thinks that as royals and his successors that they can, but do not, ease his suffering as a blind exile.


Why did oedipus pull his eyes out?

He was utterly shocked and horrified that he had done what he did, even though he was not aware of it. Symbolically or metaphorically he was blind to the truth and his physical blindness relates to that. He also is filled with shame and does not want to be seen; he wanted to live the shame that he believed his actions deserved. Taking his own sight was a way to make his shame real. There are some aspects of his blindness that may relate to his now having vision into the truth of the gods.


What is significant about Oedipus blinding himself with Jocasta's brooches in 'Oedipus Rex'?

That the brooches hold Theban Queen Jocasta's dress in place is the significance of Theban King Oedipus blinding himself with them.With vision, he knows of a rumor that he is not the biological son of those he considers his parents, King Polybus and Queen Merope of Corinth. With vision, he learns of his fate to kill his own father and marry his own mother. Yet with that very same vision, he sees and does not process that his wife's dress covers the body of a woman who is old enough to be his mother. It is only too late that he realizes he should have left the dress in place and pinned, physically and symbolically.


Is Mario Lopez legally blind?

No, Mario Lopez is not legally blind. He has spoken about experiencing vision issues in the past, but he does not have a condition that qualifies as legal blindness. His eyesight problems have not prevented him from pursuing his career in entertainment.

Related Questions

What is the cosmic vision held by Sophocles?

Sophocles often portrayed a cosmic vision in which human fate is governed by the whims of the gods and the natural order of the universe. He believed in a deterministic worldview where individuals are subject to forces beyond their control, such as prophecy and divine intervention. This cosmic vision is evident in many of his works, such as "Oedipus Rex" and "Antigone."


What does Oedipus sacrifice in 'Oedipus Rex'?

His sight is what Oedipus sacrifices in "Oedipus Rex" by Sophocles (495 B.C.E. - 405 B.C.E.).Specifically, Theban King Oedipus comes to the realization that he is not who he thinks he is. He knows that this prophesied fate as his father's killer and his mother's husband holds true. He realizes that the facts of his life are right in his face and decides to sacrifice his faulty vision for a hopefully more insightful sightless existence.


What makes Oedipus angry at his two sons in 'Oedipus Rex'?

It is because he believes they do not help him that Oedipus becomes angry with his sons in "Oedipus Rex" by Sophocles (495 B.C.E. - 405 B.C.E.).Specifically, Theban King Oedipus loses his home, his job, his spouse and his vision. His twin sons Eteocles and Polyneices inherit the throne despite their father's criminal acts and immoral behavior. Oedipus thinks that as royals and his successors that they can, but do not, ease his suffering as a blind exile.


What are the themes in 'Oedipus Rex'?

1. Truth vs. the appearance of truth 2. Blindness vs. vision 3. Curiosity vs. ignorance 4. Knowledge vs. misunderstanding 5. Fate and free will


If you have dichromatic vision what do you suffer from?

colour blindness


What are the release dates for A Vision of Blindness - 2008 TV?

A Vision of Blindness - 2008 TV was released on: USA: 29 September 2008 (TV premiere)


What is the Most Common Cause of Blindness in Nigeria?

Blindness is the inability to see anything, while vision impairment happens when an eye condition affects the visual system and its vision functions. The most common causes of blindness and vision impairment at a global level are cataracts and refractive error.


What are the release dates for The Virginian - 1962 Vision of Blindness 7-4?

The Virginian - 1962 Vision of Blindness 7-4 was released on: USA: 9 October 1968


What does Night Blindness do to people?

Causes their vision at night to lessen.


Can opponent process theory of color vision explain blindness?

no


Can blindness be a symptom of a stroke?

Strokes are more likely to produce blurring vision rather than complete blindness although blindness is certainly possible.


What do cataracts do to your eye?

This cloudiness can cause a decrease in vision and may lead to eventual blindness.