The images of light and darkness, sight and blindness, and knowledge and ignorance are present in the Greek tragedy Oedipus Rex by Sophocles. Throughout the play these contrasting images are always at the center of the conflict.
Light and darkness are seen from the beginning of the play. Thebes is hit by a plague. The cause of this plague is that the murderer of King Laios hasn't been punished yet and until he is found and punished Thebes will be hit with a plague. The image of darkness is represented by this plague. In line 143 of the play Oedipus saysthen once more must I bring what is light to dark?. He saysonce more? referring to the Sphinx. The Sphinx is also another representation of darkness. Oedipus brought Thebes back to light when he solved the Sphinx riddle. The image of light and darkness can also be seen when Oedipus was born. The birth of a new life is an image of light. However Jocasta knew the prophecy of the oracle and decides that the newborn Oedipus should die. The death of a newborn is an image of darkness.
Another set of contrasting images that are found in the play are the images of sight and blindness. In the beginning Oedipus has perfect physical vision. On the other hand the prophet Teiresias is physically blind. After Oedipus learns the truth about himself he physically blinds himself in order for him not tosee? the truth.
Knowledge and ignorance can also be traced throughout the play. Oedipus thinks he knows everything. Especially when he solves the Sphinx's riddle. He thinks his knowledge is superior to all. He even believes that Kreon is plotting against him so that he can become king. His stubbornness makes him believe that this is true. Later he learns that King Laios was killed at a place where three roads meet. He remembers that coincidently he murdered someone in this same place. At this point Oedipus's action is to find out the truth. He is ignorant about the murderer of King Laios so he must overcome this ignorance and relief himself of the suspicion he has of being the murderer.
The Greek drama Oedipus Rex is clearly a tragedy. ... Oedipus Rex clearly meets the first of these five criteria. ... The tragic flaw, or mistake that a character makes, in Oedipus Rex does not actually take place during the story. ... In these five ways, the story Oedipus Rex classifies as a tragedy. However, in my opinion at least, you don't really need a standard checklist to see if Oedipus Rex is a tragedy or not. ...
"Oedipus Rex Essay Number 1- The stories Antigone and Oedipus Rex were written by a Greek philosopher named Sophocles. ... In Oedipus Rex there was a very interesting prophecy. Before the prophecy, Tiresias and Oedipus had an argument. ... In Oedipus Rex the prophecy Tiresias gave Oedipus was a foreshadow of what was to come. ... Oedipus had become blind. ...
Oedipus Rex is Greek tragedy written by Sophocles. The main character, Oedipus Rex, is a man who is trying to escape destiny. ... Oedipus is born the prince of Thebes. ... Oedipus Rex is a perfect example of the tragic hero. ... Oedipus Rex is a powerful play and will continue to influence generations for a long time to come. ...
The contrast between light and dark, and blindness and sight plays a large role throughout Oedipus Rex. ... Oedipus Rex is a play full of paradox. ... During the exchange between Tiresias and Oedipus near the beginning of the play, constant reference is made to Oedipus" sight and Tiresias" blindness. ... Oedipus Rex is an account of Oedipus" quest for truth. ... Yet it is only in his blindness that Oedipus finally truly sees. ...
The entire concept of Oedipus Rex is enough to leave a sour taste in a reader's mouth. ... Contrary to this, however, Oedipus Rex is one of the most highly regarded plays in literary history. ... The mix of pleasure and disquietude create the volatile emotions that make Oedipus Rex a legendary play. Before the play even begins, Oedipus murders his father. ... Overall, the tragic nature of Oedipus Rex incites more sympathy from the audience than the initial disgust. ...
All of the tragedies, including Oedipus Rex are considered outstanding for their powerful, intricate plots and dramatic style. ... Oedipus Rex is a tragedy written by Sophocles. ... Oedipus's tragedy extends to his entire family. ... Such an ironic reversal occurs in Oedipus Rex when the messenger's speech unsettles rather than reassures Oedipus about who he is and what he has done. ... The major conflict occurred when Tiersias tells Oedipus that Oedipus is responsible for the plague and Oedipus refuses to believe it. ...
In Sophocles's play "Oedipus Rex- Oedipus Even though "fate" seems to determine Oedipus' life, . he does infact have a free will. ... Oedipus does not believe (his choice). ... Oedipus Essay (Fate) Sophocles "Oedipus the King- is a tragic play which discusses the tragic discovery of Oedipus that he has killed his father and married his mother. ... Oedipus Rex - Bliss in Ignorance Oedipus Rex - Bliss in Ignorance One of the most memorable and meaningful Socratic quotes applies well when in context of Sophocles' Theban Trilogy. ... Yet in terms of Sophoclean drama, specifically Oe...
Iokaste the Downfall of Oedipus Rex From the beginning of Oedipus Rex there are prophecies that insist the ultimate fate of Oedipus. Although these prophecies are excruciating, they are prophecies that in the end all come, true and lead to the destruction of Oedipus Rex. ... Iokaste through love and concern for her son tries to prevent these awful prophecies from happening, but in the end she is the ultimate cause of Oedipus Rex's grief and downfall. ... The Iokaste says Oedipus! ... Iokaste although it is not obvious was really the cause of Oedipus Rex's downfall. ...
Oedipus Rex is a fascinating insight into the nature of a human being's need for control. From the opening lines of the play we see King Oedipus as the strong leader of his city. ... We know that Oedipus fled his home town to avoid a prophecy that foretold that he would kill his father. It is later revealed that he did in fact, albeit unknowingly to Oedipus himself at the time, kill his father. ... The story of Oedipus Rex teaches this moral brilliantly. ...
