sight/knowledge in oedipus Flashcards
What does Tiresias say about the truth?
The truth is only pain to him who sees
What does Tiresias say that shows he has knowledge?
What will come will come
What does Tiresias say to Oedipus about the stranger?
They are brother + father to their children
Husband + son to their mother
He spilled his fathers blood
What does Oedipus start to speculate? Why?
He thinks hes called a “dreadful curse” upon himself
He is told what Laius looked like + starts to wonder if he was the killer
What does Oedipus say to Jocasta when he starts to speculate he may be the killer?
“I can see it all, clear as day”
What does Oedipus say should happen to him towards the start of the play after he tells Jocasta about when he killed the ppl on the crossroad?
He says he must be exiled for bringing curses upon himself
How does Oedipus respond when Jocasta begs him to stop searching?
He won’t bc he must know it all + see the truth
What does Oedipus do in pursuit of knowledge regarding the Shepard?
He tortures the Shepard so he will tell him the truth, despite the Shepard not wanting to tell him
What does Oedipus do once he finds out the truth?
He gauges his eyes out after realising what he has done
What does Oedipus’ act of self mutilation tell us?
That he wishes he hadn’t have gained knowledge about truth - the knowledge is destructive
What is a hamartia?
A tragic flaw
What is Oedipus’ hamartia
His pride + poor judgement
What does Garvie say about what Oedipus gains?
What he desires most - knowledge
What does Wiles say about Oedipus’ confidence?
His confidence in himself makes him utterly blind
