Oedipus gouges out his own eyes at the end of Part II of the play "Oedipus Rex" by Sophocles as a way of punishing himself for his sins and to show his remorse. Oedipus has just learned that he has fulfilled the prophecy of killing his father and marrying his mother, and he is overwhelmed with guilt and shame. He feels that his eyes, which had once looked upon his mother and children with love, must now be closed to the world in order to atone for his actions.
This action shows that Oedipus has changed in several ways. First, he has come to accept the truth about his past and has taken responsibility for his actions, which is a significant shift from his earlier attempts to deny or avoid the truth. Second, he has become more humble and aware of his own limitations as a human being. By blinding himself, he acknowledges that he cannot face the truth or the world without suffering the consequences of his actions. Finally, Oedipus has become more empathetic and compassionate towards others, as he now understands the pain and suffering that he has caused to those around him.
Overall, Oedipus's decision to gouge out his own eyes is a powerful symbol of his transformation and his willingness to accept the consequences of his actions. It is a tragic and poignant moment in the play that highlights the themes of fate, free will, and the human condition.