Tensions run high as Tiresias withholds the information Oedipus seeks and instead gives him answers he does not want to hear. In light of this, Oedipus’ hubris is exposed as his pride blinds him from the truth and he criticizes Tiresias and his power. As Oedipus’ frustration grows he becomes more and more agitated, and he ultimately accuses Tiresias of treason. Up until now, Oedipus has behaved rationally. He considers what is best for the people of Thebes and is passionate about doing what needs to be done to return them to a state of bliss. But in this very moment, pride diverts his attention away from the good of Thebes and directs it towards defending his honor. He is convinced that Creon and Tiresias are plotting against him, but Tiresias sets him straight, “Creon is not your downfall,no, you are your own” (432).
In Oedipus the King, Tiresias represents the truth rejected by a proud King. He is the blind prophet Oedipus summons to tell him the name of the murderer he seeks, but fails to accept “you are the murderer you hunt” as an adequate response (413). Although he is blind, Tiresias has the ability to see better than anyone in Thebes. He sees the truth that either they cannot see or they refuse to see. Oedipus refuses to see that he himself is the curse that plagues the people of Thebes, and his adamancy enhances the theme of refusal to believe prophecies. Therefore, it is quite ironic how he puts a curse on the murderer and a curse on himself “if by any chance he proves to be an intimate in [their] house,”because unbeknownst to him, he and the murderer are one in the same (284-285).
I really like how you identified and used Oedipus's hubris to explain his childlike nature. While a lot of people think he's great, he is all too full of himself and truly believes himself to be "the chosen one". Tiresias is the only one who can truly see (ironic) the corruption going on that the king is blind to.
ReplyDeletePride is seen as an admirable trait in a leader. However too much pride can blind a man causing him to be in denial about his mistakes. In this scenario, excessive pride is not an admirable trait. It is shameful, and will cause Oedipus' failure because he is too blind to see the truth. Great observation!
ReplyDeleteIt is very ironic that Oedipus curses the murderer of the former king which happens to be him. Oedipus's ambition and pride will lead to a tragic downfall as Darah said. This directly correlates to King Claudius in Hamlet. While Claudius was hated, Oedipus is openly loved. This will surely lead to an interesting conflict.
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