Oedipus Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Oedipus - Essay ExampleQuestioning the prophecies foretold in Oedipuss life only lead him to disaster. The metaphor of blindness and sight in Oedipus The King suggests that the ability to see the truth of ones situation fanny have tragic outgrowths. This idea is evident when the traits, motivations, and language of all(prenominal) character are examined. Character Traits of Oedipus Oedipus is a man who gives importance to his head than his heart. Tragedy befalls him when he tries to alter the fate. Oedipus hears an Oracle prophecy hinting he will obscure his father and marry his mother. He believes Corinths royal couple to be his parents. Hence, he simply stays expose of Corinth to avoid causing any anguish to them. Even as a young man Oedipus believes he could change the fate through logical actions and science. But, the all powerful almighty just leads him out of Corinth only to kill his biological father Laius on the way (Oedipus Greek Mythology, 2004). Oedipuss traits are r evealed early in the story when he acts without discretion to throw away the plague from his country. Oedipuss intentions are good. But, his haste and over confidence simply makes him take one wrong decision after another. He kills Laius in a crossroad unnecessarily for a petty fight without thinking round the consequences. A person in his position would consider twice about discussion people of his parents age. But, Oedipus blindly kills a man of his fathers age and marries a women who is aged enough to be his mother. He doesnt give a second thought about anything and acts instinctively. Oedipuss Greatest Motivation Oedipuss act of solving the Sphinxs riddle makes him a headstrong man. He believes he can solve the mystery about his life without the help of the Gods. Oedipuss motivation comes largely from this single victory. He cherishes it throughout the life as his own act without understanding it was yet another trap prepared for him to make him marry his biological mother J acosta. He does not understand, questioning too much about ones fate will only lead to disaster. He turns blind to the several clues thrown before him about the murderer of Laius until the final confrontation with the Shepherd. Similarly, when Teiresias refuses to answer his questions, he unjustly accuses Creon for plotting against him. Though Oedipus occurs as an adult man throughout the play, his actions are childlike, immature and adamant almost all the time. His adamant nature is a result of his over confidence. It makes him take hasty and baseless decision which hurt others often. Oedipuss Interactions with Teirsias Teiresias is a very important character in the story of Oedipus. He is a wise man who can actually see the future. He too is blind. Sophocles the author of Oedipus, the King purposely made the wise man blind to tautness the metaphor. He is forcibly bought into the court of Oedipus as he does not wish to reveal fates horrible game through his mouth. Teiresias is ins ulted and threatened in various ways by Oedipus. But, Teiresias bears all of them humbly, knowing well the life of Oedipus is finished the moment he opens his mouth. Gifted with amazing prophetic power he does not subject to any threat. His unflinching courage makes him challenge two mighty kings without any compromise. Teiresiass dedication to truth and unshakable belief in Gods is his greatest motivation. The words talk by Teiresias are as follows. To twit me with my blindness--thou hast eyes / Yet seest not