What purpose does this serve? How is Oedipus contrasted with Teiresias? How does Oedipus at the beginning of the play contrast with the Oedipus at the end? Why is his blinding himself dramatically appropriate?
A: The physical conditions of sight and blindness in the play serve symbolic functions, particularly as these conditions manifest themselves in Oedipus himself. Oedipus begins the play by being physically sighted, but he is blind in terms of knowledge. He does not know the whole truth about his heritage. Nor does he make the connection between the murder of Jocasta's husband, his subsequent marriage to her, and the prophesy he is trying to avoid. In this way, he is mentally blind to the truth of his situation.
Teiresias, on the other hand, is physically blind, but has insight into the truth of situations, as well as the future. The Chorus Leader characterizes him as a man of insight that can help Oedipus to find the truth: "Our lord Teiresias,/I know, can see into things, like lord Apollo." (l. 334-335). As such, he therefore warns Oedipus not to pursue his search for the truth, as it could only lead to disaster. Oedipus on the other hand is blind to the true extent of the impending disaster, and ignores Teiresias' advice. In this way, he is the opposite of the old prophet: he is a young king who is physically sighted but mentally blind, while Teiresias is physically blind, but mentally sighted. The same contrast is seen between the Oedipus in the beginning of the play and the king at the end. At the beginning, he is physically sighted,...
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