Comment on the Significance of the Encounter Between Oedipus And Tiresias.
Oedipus Rex is a notable literary work by Sophocles. A complete discussion of this literary work is given, which will help you enhance your literary skills and prepare for the exam. Read the Main texts, Key info, Summary, Themes, Characters, Literary devices, Quotations, Notes, and various study materials of Oedipus Rex.
Answer
Comment on the significance of the encounter between Oedipus and Tiresias in “Oedipus Rex.”
“Oedipus Rex” (429 BC) is one of the famous tragic plays of Sophocles (496-406 BC). The encounter between Oedipus and Tiresias in Sophocles’ play “Oedipus Rex” holds immense significance in the narrative and themes of the story. Tiresias is a blind prophet. In the play, he acts as a pivotal character. His conflict with Oedipus drives the plot forward and reveals crucial truths.
The Encounter between Oedipus and Tiresias: The encounter between Oedipus and Tiresias is very significant to reveal the hidden truth of Oedipus. Here are some of the significance of the encounter between Oedipus and Tiresias.
Revelation of the Truth: Tiresias, the blind prophet, encounters Oedipus. He reveals the latter’s unknowing involvement in Laius’s murder and the cause of Thebes’ plague. This revelation is the initial motivation for unraveling Oedipus’s tragic fate. At the beginning of the play, Tiresias prophecies that both Oedipus and Jocasta have tried to escape.
And he will turn out to be the brother of the children in his house—their father, too, both at once, and the husband and the son of the very woman who gave birth to him.
Symbolism of Sight and Blindness: Tiresias’s blindness deviates from his prophetic sight. He symbolizes the discrepancy between physical sight and true insight. Oedipus, possessing physical sight, remains blind to his identity and destiny. He emphasizes the play’s thematic exploration of perception versus reality. Tiresias says,
You have your eyesight, and you do not see how miserable you are.
The Conflict between Fate and Free Will: As a messenger of fate, Tiresias prophesies Oedipus’s destined path and highlights the inevitability of fate. Oedipus’s pursuit of truth and his tries to defy the prophecy ironically lead him closer to fulfilling it. He illustrates the struggle between free will and an inescapable destiny.
Hubris and Tragic Flaw: Oedipus’s arrogance and disbelief in Tiresias’s revelations showcase his tragicUnlock this study guide now