In Oedipus the King, sight and blindness were used as a metaphor for humanity's place in the universe. The gods and unchangeable fate remained hidden from humans; therefore, they were blind to the truth of existence. It is ironic that the only insight Oedipus had into the gods' will was through a blind man. Teiresias was a blind prophet who could "see" the truth about Oedipus' situation. The prophet was physically blind, and Oedipus was blind to his scandalous past. To explain this to Oedipus, Teiresias said, "You don't see how much alike we are" (749). Although he was blind to the outside world, Teiresias could foresee the despair the truth would cause Thebes. He warned Oedipus not to ask for the truth. He said, "Wisdom is a curse when wisdom does nothing for the man who has it" (748).

Although humans could not fully understand the universe, they were still expected to lead good, just lives. Being blind to the gods' will did not give humans the right to live anyway they desired. Humanity must always strive to choose the right paths for their lives. They must always search for the light of the truth. Like Teiresias, the Greeks should look for the internal truths, and not just accept what they see. Oedipus described this truth as "Light Light Light" (773). This is the light of reason which came from the gods and awareness.

Oedipus blamed Apollo for his horrific fate. He claimed the gods had foresaken him because of his sins. In his agony, he thought his fate was unavoidable. However, the audience is left to wonder if he was blameless. His uncontrollable temper caused him to kill Laius. No god or fate drove

(780). Oedipus called on the gods to shield h

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Approximate Word count = 590
Approximate Pages = 2 (250 words per page double spaced)