Oedipus Rex or Oedipus the King

How is the solution to the riddle illustrates Oedipus' knowledge and ignorance?

Give some examples of how the symbols of blindness and sight are connected with the themes of ignorance and knowledge in this play. How is the solution to the riddle illustrates Oedipus' knowledge and ignorance?

Asked by
Last updated by jill d #170087
Answers 1
Add Yours

Oedipus is incredibly perceptive, a gift that enabled him to "see" the answer to the Sphinx's riddle. He could see beyond the riddle, and yet when faced with the truth, he is unable to see what is right before his eyes. He is blind to the truth, and yet, Oedipus mocks Teiresias's blindness. Teiresias understands the truth without sight; Oedipus is blind to the truth right before him. Over the course of the play, Oedipus will switch roles with the blind man and become a man who sees the truth and loses his sense of sight.

Source(s)

Oedipus the King