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An initial refusal to help is the reaction of Teiresias the blind prophet to Theban King Oedipus pleading for help. He doesn't want to cooperate, because he knows the ugly reality behind the beautiful illusion of happy royal married life in Thebes. He knows that albeit unknowingly Oedipus is a murderer and a sex offender.

Specifically, Tiresias knows that Oedipus kills his father and royal predecessor, Theban King Laius. Then as a reward for saving Thebes from the beastly Sphinx, Oedipus marries Laius' grieving widow, Theban Queen Jocasta. So Jocasta becomes wife and, albeit unknowingly, mother to her only son.

Teiresias knows that Oedipus will find this information completely unbelievable. So the prophet is in a bind. He may lose his life by telling his superior the shocking truth.

At the same time, Teiresias may lose his life by saying nothing. A pestilence is ravaging the Theban population, livestock and harvests. If not stopped, it may kill the entire city. The only way of stopping it is identifying and punishing Laius' killer[s]. And that killer is the prophet's and the entire city's superior and king.

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Who does Oedipus accuse of killing Laius?

The blind prophet Tiresias who is called by Oedipus to reveal who killed King Laius. When he is hesitant to do so however as the killer is Oedipus, Oedipus jumpsto conclusions assuming that it is he Tiresias who murdered Laius.


What angry accusation does Oedipus make?

When Oedipus asks the blind prophet Tiresias who killed the previous king Laius, Tiresias states that he knows but wishes he didn't. Oedipus furiously accuses Tiresias of the murder of (Oedipus'own father), Laius - whom, of course Oedipus actually killed unknowingly.


How does Oedipus treat tiresias at first?

At first, Oedipus treats Tiresias with disdain and suspicion when the blind prophet is brought to him. He demands that Tiresias reveal the truth about the murder of King Laius, but when Tiresias hesitates and hints at uncomfortable truths, Oedipus becomes angry and accuses him of being unhelpful and possibly complicit in the crime. Oedipus's arrogance and refusal to accept Tiresias's insights lead to a heated confrontation, showcasing his pride and impulsiveness.


What does Tiresias add to the play Oedipus the King?

The character Tiresias adds an element of symbolism, as he is blind, but is the only one who actually "sees' the truth.


Why was Oedipus angry with tiereseus?

Oedipus was angry with Tiresias because he perceived the blind prophet's reluctance to reveal the truth about the murder of King Laius as an affront to his authority. Tiresias, knowing that Oedipus himself was the murderer, refused to divulge this information, which fueled Oedipus's frustration and led him to believe that Tiresias was hiding important details. Additionally, Oedipus's anger stemmed from his growing suspicion that Tiresias's insights might undermine his position and challenge his identity as a capable ruler.

Related Questions

Who does Oedipus accuse of killing Laius?

The blind prophet Tiresias who is called by Oedipus to reveal who killed King Laius. When he is hesitant to do so however as the killer is Oedipus, Oedipus jumpsto conclusions assuming that it is he Tiresias who murdered Laius.


What angry accusation does Oedipus make?

When Oedipus asks the blind prophet Tiresias who killed the previous king Laius, Tiresias states that he knows but wishes he didn't. Oedipus furiously accuses Tiresias of the murder of (Oedipus'own father), Laius - whom, of course Oedipus actually killed unknowingly.


How does Oedipus treat tiresias at first?

At first, Oedipus treats Tiresias with disdain and suspicion when the blind prophet is brought to him. He demands that Tiresias reveal the truth about the murder of King Laius, but when Tiresias hesitates and hints at uncomfortable truths, Oedipus becomes angry and accuses him of being unhelpful and possibly complicit in the crime. Oedipus's arrogance and refusal to accept Tiresias's insights lead to a heated confrontation, showcasing his pride and impulsiveness.


What does Tiresias add to the play Oedipus the King?

The character Tiresias adds an element of symbolism, as he is blind, but is the only one who actually "sees' the truth.


Why was Oedipus angry with tiereseus?

Oedipus was angry with Tiresias because he perceived the blind prophet's reluctance to reveal the truth about the murder of King Laius as an affront to his authority. Tiresias, knowing that Oedipus himself was the murderer, refused to divulge this information, which fueled Oedipus's frustration and led him to believe that Tiresias was hiding important details. Additionally, Oedipus's anger stemmed from his growing suspicion that Tiresias's insights might undermine his position and challenge his identity as a capable ruler.


Why does Oedipus become angry with Creon and Tiresias?

Oedipus becomes angry with Creon and Tiresias because he perceives their words as threats to his authority and integrity. When Tiresias reveals that Oedipus himself is the cause of Thebes' suffering, Oedipus reacts with rage, accusing Tiresias of conspiracy and deceit. He similarly distrusts Creon, believing that Creon is plotting against him to seize power. This anger stems from his desperation to find the truth and protect his position as king.


Who informs Oedipus that the murderer of King Laius must be found and exiled?

Oedipus is informed by the blind prophet Tiresias that the murderer of King Laius must be found and exiled. Tiresias reveals that Oedipus himself is the culprit, leading to a series of revelations that ultimately unravel Oedipus's identity and fate. This moment sets off the tragic events that follow in the play.


Who is king laius in Antigone?

The father of Oedipus, who was Antigone's father. As the curse stated by Tiresias went, Oedipus ended up inadvertently killing Laius.


What argument does Creon use to convince Oedipus he did not conspire with Tiresias to implicate the king as the murderer of Laius?

love


Who was the blind prophet in Oedipus?

The blind prophet in Oedipus was Tiresias. Oedipus summons him for help to answer his questions; however Tiresias refuses to speak. Instead he tells Oedipus to forget his search for the murderer of their former King, Laius.


Two examples of foreshadowing and its fulfillment in the play Oedipus the King?

A central figure of the plot of Oedipus the King is Tiresias, a blind prophet, or seer​, Tiresias provides most of the foreshadowing in the play in the form of dialogue​, or discussions with other characters. to leave out on a mountain to die so that he would not fulfill his prophecy.


Why did pedipus have to send twice for tiresias?

Oedipus sent for Tiresias twice because he initially dismissed the prophet's insights when Tiresias first arrived, not wanting to confront the harsh truths about his own actions and the murder of King Laius. After realizing that Tiresias possessed crucial knowledge about the plague afflicting Thebes, Oedipus sought him out again, compelled to uncover the truth despite his reluctance. This repeated summons underscores Oedipus's struggle between his desire for knowledge and his fear of the consequences of that knowledge.