Metaphorical Blindness

Throughout Oedipus the King, the idea of blindness persists as one of the prevailing themes in the story. Although readers encounter an actual blind man, Teiresias, the idea of another visually impaired character surfaces, too. Oedipus exemplifies the characteristics of a blind person through his refusal to accept a claim of Teiresias, even though he can actually see.

Oedipus expresses his metaphorical blindness through his actions. Unable to fathom the accusations of Teiresias, Oedipus points that he did not kill his father, despite hearing this from a highly-praised prophet. Teiresias states that Oedipus exchanges “blindness for sight and beggary for riches” (531-532). He feels that Oedipus’ denial of truth merely presents a blindness within him. Oedipus is, oftentimes, quick to remind Teiresias that he is not capable of suggesting Oedipus’ crime without the ability to see. In effort to account for Teiresias’ prophecy, Oedipus includes that “had [Teiresias] had eyes [he] would have said alone [Teiresias] murdered him” (395-396). He loses respect for Teiresias as a prophet and is determined to claim his innocence.

Attempting to support his innocence, Oedipus argues that Teiresias’ accusations cannot be valid because he is “blind in mind and ears as well as in [his] eyes” (428-430). Readers can suggest this description relates more to Oedipus for being resistant and difficult while listening to the prophecy of Teiresias. Oedipus refuses to open his mind enough to accept what Teiresias feels is true. This signifies the blindness of Oedipus that Teiresias fears will provoke a problem when giving his prophecy. Oedipus views Teiresias’ blindness as a reason to call his prophecy a fallacy. He believes that, since Teiresias cannot see, he is in no position to claim he is the murderer of Laius.