AP Literature Period 4A
Tiresias in Oedipus Rex
If the blind leads the blind, then who leads him? In the Sophoclean play, Oedipus Rex, the character Tiresias acts as a guide within the plot. He holds the key to advancement and seemingly controls the final outcome of many of the characters lives. This prophet was called upon to reveal the unknown to the unknowing. Through values and devices such as truth, irony, symbolism, and knowledge, Tiresias controls the fate of Oedipus the King.Tiresias wields the truth as a weapon. He believes the truth has power and the use could benefit whosoever obtained its knowledge. For example, on page 1437, line 405, Tiresias says “The truth with all its power lives inside of me”. This could be interpreted as the prophet informing his subject that since he wields the power of the truth, he is just as powerful. However, Tiresias guards the truth when he feels that it’s necessary. For instance, on page 1436, line 375, he states “and I will never reveal my dreadful secrets, not to say your own”. The conversation between Tiresias and Oedipus was one that wanted clarification and answers. Now, since Tiresias believed that his subject shouldn’t know his message, he guards it from him and continues to do so after he pleads. In conjunction, Tiresias believes that a guarded secret can and should protect you from a horrible revelation. On page 1436, line 359, it says “How terrible-to see the truth when the truth is only pain to him who sees!”. With this statement, it explains how Tiresias believes that when you see the outcome of a horrible truth, it will only bring you pain. Since a guarded secret has not been told, it will protect you against yourself.
Tiresias is a player of irony as well as a symbol of irony. Ironies are all throughout this character and his ways because there are so many moments in the plot when what seems to be turns out to be radically different from what actually is. A simple example could be Tiresias himself. When the Leader first spoke about a seer, the reader will probably think of a fortune teller or someone “gypsy-like”. Instead of those normal associations, you find a blind old man who is being guided by a little boy. Another example would be his prophetic title. As a prophet, you are ordained to tell the truth. Along with his insight, comes the responsibility and obligation to tell the truth in any circumstance. During his conversation between Oedipus, you noticed he was trying to evade the truth and the situation in its entirety. Finally, the truth he tells is probably the most ironic of all ironies in this tragedy. He reveals that Oedipus killed his father and married his mother. The audience believed that he ran away from his parents in order to escape the prophecy. When Tiresias reveals the result of him not succeeding in his evasion, the plot suddenly becomes polar opposites of what Sophocles wanted the audience to think.
Symbolism and Tiresias are the biggest analogy in this play. First off, Tiresias is already a symbol within himself by being the symbol of the gods and Fate. For example, on page 1435, the leader calls him “the man of god” (line 338) and Oedipus calls him “the master of all the mysteries of our life” (line 341). This could be further explained saying Tiresias is the human presence of all supernatural and non-existent forces here on Earth. Even though it’s contradictory, Tiresias’ “sight” could also be a form of symbolism. For instance, even though Tiresias can not see, he still sees all and knows all as well. Sophocles portrayed Tiresias sight as insight or abilities rather than the physical form of sight. Although his sight is a factor, he’s blindness is one as well. His blindness shows how he is not swayed by earthly situations and things. For example, when you are able to see, you become infused in your surroundings and environment. Since Tiresias is blind to those earthly stimuli, his connection with the omnipresent is just as strong as our connection with life.
The gift of knowing that Tiresias possess is an important characteristic in this play. Since he knows all, his answers are coveted. For example, on page 1435, line 345-346, it says “…You, my lord, are the one shield, the one savior we can find.”. Now, everyone knows an old blind man can not be a strong shield to protect a huge city like Thebes but what could protect them is his answers to the many questions the king has that could possibly save the city. In addition, Tiresias’ knowledgeable abilities could also control ones fate. For instance, Tiresias knows all truth and life revolves around truth. If the prophet decides to not tell revelation, then someone’s life could easily be changed and vice versa. Possession of information could perturb those around him because of his actions. This is not necessarily important but that’s when he can use his gifts to his full potential. He can wait until he wants to reveal his message after he is done consuming the plea of others. For example, from pages 1436-1437, Oedipus begins to infuriate Tiresias trying to get the information out of him. Smart as he may, Tiresias can then draw his sword of truth to defend himself from the reckless behavior of others.
Having a guide within a play or novel may not seem like a very important figure in the story line but he leads the plot. Since some characters in the play do not know of any answers to the tragedies happening to the city, the one who has the answers leads. He prides himself in having wondrous wisdom, as other characters praise him for his accuracy in foretelling the future. Tiresias uses positive qualities such as knowledge, truth and faith to control Oedipus' future of negative misfortune. Oedipus eventually finds himself no longer in control of his fate because Tiresias' knowledge has pushed him into the dreadful and truth of reality.
This is blind eye! Get it, blind eye!? =)
No comments:
Post a Comment