The Contributions of Tiresias in Oedipus by Sophocles
In the play Oedipus by Sophocles, Tiresias is a minor character who has a minimal appearance in the play, however, his contribution to the broad perspective of the play is tremendous. He is the holy prophet whom everyone seeks for his wise council including the ruler of Thebes, Oedipus. Oedipus summons Tiresisas to help them discover the murderer of the former King of Thebes, Laius, in order to cease the plague that has swept the entire city. Through the sho
Not only does Tiresis serve as a character to illlustrate dramatic irony; he also serves to illustrate the theme of blindess. It is ironic ho w a man who is physically blind cansee the 'wretchedness" of Oedipus' life, who does possess sight physically, still is ubable to see the truth. It si quite evidetn athat Tiresias uses this to this advantage to provide drmatic irony. rt yet somewhat violent conversation between Oedipus and Tiresias, the importance of htis minor character is revealed. It is Oedipus whose quest for the truth that blinds him. Tiresias utilizes his psychic abilities to presage Oedipus' fate, eleborate the theme of blindness, and furthermore to illustrate the endless irony within this play. ------------------------------------------------------------------------**Bibliography**. Therefore, Sophocles uses that foreknowledge to concoct the minor character of Tiresias to be the only person who posseses the great knowledge of the truth surroudning Oedipus. Ironically, it is oedipus who mocks and accuses Tiresias of being a "purblin man inears and mind and vision" (Sophocles, 37). The city of Thebes and its inhabitants are completely oblivous to the mysterious origin of their honorable King. In writing this play, Sophocles is conscous of the fact that this audience is aware of the outcome of the play. The degree, however, of Oedipus mental bindesss is contributed to his loyalty to Thebes and his devotion to the truth which in the end brings his own! self-destruction.
Common topics in this essay:
Oedipus Tiresias,
Sophocles Tiresias,
Thebes Laius,
Oedipus Oedipus,
minor character,
,
play sophocles,
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