Final answer:
The theme of blindness in "Oedipus" manifests metaphorically with Oedipus' inability to see the truth of the prophecy and literally when he blinds himself upon discovering his true identity.
Step-by-step explanation:
Exploring the Theme of Blindness in "Oedipus"
The theme of blindness in Sophocles’ "Oedipus" is a pivotal element that intertwines with the main character’s tragic downfall. It manifests both metaphorically and literally throughout the play. One example is when Oedipus accuses the prophet Tiresias, who is physically blind, of being unable to see the truth, yet it is Oedipus himself who is metaphorically blind to his own reality. This irony becomes a central aspect of the tragedy as Tiresias retorts that Oedipus, who has the power of sight, is in fact the 'blind' one to the truth of his own life.
Another instance of Oedipus’ metaphorical blindness is his inability to see the significance of the prophecy that he would kill his father and marry his mother, despite several clues hinting at his true lineage and past actions. This blindness leads him directly into fulfilling the prophecy he so desperately tries to avoid. The climax of Oedipus’ metaphorical blindness turning into physical blindness occurs when he discovers his true parentage and his inadvertent fulfillment of the prophecy, leading him to blind himself in despair over the truths he had long been unable to see.
Ultimately, Oedipus’ journey from ignorance to the harsh light of truth brings the theme of blindness full circle, highlighting the play’s underlying message about human nature, knowledge, and fate. Oedipus, once a revered king, ends up a blind wanderer, a testament to his inner blindness that prevailed when he most needed sight.