Because the truth will bring nothing but pain.
Oedipus doesn't believe Tiresias, even when Tiresias spells the truth out to him; he calls him a liar and claims that he is in league with Creon for the throne.
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.
Tiresias is initially unwilling to reveal the truth about the prophecy to Oedipus because he understands the devastating consequences that knowledge can bring. He fears that disclosing the truth will only lead to further pain and suffering for Oedipus and those around him. Additionally, Tiresias recognizes that Oedipus's stubbornness and pride could lead him to reject or react violently to the truth. Ultimately, Tiresias wishes to protect Oedipus from the harsh reality of his fate.
He will become blind and learn the truth of the prophecy.
Tiresias is reluctant to speak with Oedipus because he knows the painful truth about Oedipus's past and his role in the tragedy that has befallen Thebes. He fears that revealing this information will only bring more suffering and anger, particularly since Oedipus has a volatile temper and may not react well to the truth. Additionally, Tiresias understands the weight of prophecy and the consequences of revealing knowledge that could lead to Oedipus's downfall.
Oedipus doesn't believe Tiresias, even when Tiresias spells the truth out to him; he calls him a liar and claims that he is in league with Creon for the throne.
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.
Tiresias is initially unwilling to reveal the truth about the prophecy to Oedipus because he understands the devastating consequences that knowledge can bring. He fears that disclosing the truth will only lead to further pain and suffering for Oedipus and those around him. Additionally, Tiresias recognizes that Oedipus's stubbornness and pride could lead him to reject or react violently to the truth. Ultimately, Tiresias wishes to protect Oedipus from the harsh reality of his fate.
Tiresias changed his mind and spoke the truth when he was pressured by Oedipus and accused of hiding the truth. He realized that revealing the truth was necessary for Oedipus to understand his fate and accept it. Ultimately, Tiresias felt that the truth needed to be told to bring about resolution and closure.
He will become blind and learn the truth of the prophecy.
Tiresias is reluctant to speak with Oedipus because he knows the painful truth about Oedipus's past and his role in the tragedy that has befallen Thebes. He fears that revealing this information will only bring more suffering and anger, particularly since Oedipus has a volatile temper and may not react well to the truth. Additionally, Tiresias understands the weight of prophecy and the consequences of revealing knowledge that could lead to Oedipus's downfall.
The character Tiresias adds an element of symbolism, as he is blind, but is the only one who actually "sees' the truth.
Tiresias is initially reluctant to tell Oedipus the truth about his fate because he knows that revealing the prophecy will bring great suffering and destruction to Oedipus and his family. He struggles with the moral dilemma of deciding whether to tell the truth and fulfill his duty as a prophet, or withhold the information to prevent harm. Ultimately, Tiresias chooses to disclose the prophecy, leading to the tragic consequences that unfold in the story.
When Tiresias reveals to Oedipus that he is the cause of the plague afflicting Thebes, Oedipus reacts with anger and disbelief. He accuses Tiresias of being blind and manipulative, refusing to accept the truth of his own role in the city's suffering. Rather than reflect on Tiresias's words, Oedipus becomes defensive, ultimately leading to a heated confrontation that highlights his tragic flaw of hubris and foreshadows his eventual downfall.
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.
In Sophocles' play "Oedipus Rex," Oedipus learns that he is the murderer from the prophet Tiresias. Initially reluctant to reveal the truth, Tiresias ultimately tells Oedipus that he is the one he seeks, leading to a tragic revelation about Oedipus's identity and actions. This moment sets off a series of events that culminate in Oedipus's downfall.
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.