Research Paper on "Oedipus the King by Sophocles"

Research Paper 3 pages (1140 words) Sources: 3

[EXCERPT] . . . .

Oedipus the King by Sophocles

The play Oedipus the King is a story about a willingness to ignore the truth and the limits of free will. This is accomplished by focusing on the life of Oedipus and how this is influencing a host of events that are occurring. To fully understand these ideas require examining a number of areas to include: the reasons for Oedipus blinding himself, what he learns from his suffering, what the audience discovers and how blindness vs. sight is used in a symbolic way. Together, these different elements will underscore how the play is teaching everyone key ideas and the way they relate to a willingness to ignore the truth and the limits of free will. (Sophocles) ("The Oedipus Plays") (Ramfos)

Although Oedipus gives some reasons for blinding himself, can you think of some others?

The primary reasons why Oedipus is blinding himself are based upon a failure to see the truth throughout the course of his life and for unknowingly having children with his mother. In the case of failing to see the truth and having children with his mother, Oedipus is at the center of power struggle between Creon and himself. This is a taking place when he learns that he was not responsible for his father's murder. (Sophocles) ("The Oedipus Plays") (Ramfos)

However, he is fearful about the other part of the prophecy coming true through having a sexual relationship unknowingly with her. Once he realizes that this is the reality of the situation, is the point when his mother hangs herself and he pulls out the pins from his clothing. This is when he will blind himself based upon the sense of self betrayal that he felt. (Ramfos)

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