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 parable of blindness and sight in Oedipus The King suggests that the ability to see the truth of ones situation can dupe tragic results. This idea is evident when the traits, motivations, and language of each character are examined. Character Traits of Oedipus Oedipus is a earth 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 butcher his forefather and marry his mother. He believes Corinths royal couple to be his parents. Hence, he simply cincture out of Corinth to avoid causing any trouble to them. Even as a young composition 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 re vealed advance(prenominal) in the story when he acts without discretion to banish the plague from his country. Oedipuss intentions are good. But, his haste and all over confidence simply makes him take one wrong ending after another. He kills Laius in a crossroad unnecessarily for a petty fight without thinking about the consequences. A person in his position would consider twice about handling 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 secret makes him a headstrong man. He believes he can solve the mystery about his life without the second of the Gods. Oedipuss motivation comes largely from this single victory. He cherishes it throughout the life as his own effect without understanding it was yet another trap prepared for him to make him marry his bio logical mother Jacosta. 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 nearly 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 by design made the wise man blind to stress the metaphor. He is forcibly bought into the court of Oedipus as he does not wish to reveal fates horrible game through his mouth. T eiresias is insulted 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 dreadful prophetic power he does not bow to any threat. His unflinching courage makes him challenge deuce mighty kings without any compromise. Teiresiass dedication to truth and unshakable belief in Gods is his greatest motivation. The words intercommunicate by Teiresias are as follows. To twit me with my blindness--thou hast eyes / Yet seest not