Mental Blindness in Oedipus

            A minor character is a character that is developed in such a way to help reveal themes and depict certain literary devices. Literary devices are used in mostly all literary works, as they can help reveal pertinent information and also move the story along. In the play Oedipus Rex by Sophocles, the minor character of Teiresias is responsible for foreshadowing Oedipus" fate, developing the theme of blindness, and also illustrating dramatic irony. Teiresias uses his fortune teller abilities to foreshadow the anguish and destruction that Oedipus will encounter after he learns the truths of his life. Teiresias is also responsible for further developing the theme of blindness by using his own physical blindness to reveal to Oedipus his mental blindness. Lastly, Teiresias is ultimately responsible for imposing dramatic irony because of his great knowledge of the truth of Oedipus. In Sophocles" Oedipus Rex, the character of Teiresias is developed in such a way that he utilizes many dramatic devices in order to reveal information and move the play along.As a fortune teller, Teiresias is able to see the fate and destruction of Oedipus" life. Teiresias uses his great ability to reveal to the reader the downfalls in Oedipus" life that will soon occur because of his quest to know his fate. The character of Teiresias demonstrates the use of foreshadowing in order for the reader to be aware of Oedipus" fate.You can not see the wretchedness of your life, Nor in whose house you live, no, nor with whom. Where are your father and mother? Can you tell me? You do not even know the blind wrongs that you have done them, on earth and in the world below. But the double lash of your parents" curse will whip you out of this land some day, with only night upon your precious eyes. Your cries then-where will they not be heard? Sophocles, 403-410This passage foreshadows the destruction and misery that will be a part of Oedipus" life soon.

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