Question

What is Sophocles suggesting to the audience about physical and metaphysical blindness in Oedipus Rex?

Answer 1

In Oedipus Rex, Sophocles suggests that physical and metaphysical blindness are interconnected and linked to the theme of fate. The protagonist, Oedipus, starts off as physically blind but gains metaphysical insight and understanding. This is symbolized through his confrontations with Tiresias and his own blinding at the end of the play.

Step-by-step explanation:

In the play Oedipus Rex by Sophocles, the author suggests that physical and metaphysical blindness are interconnected and linked to the theme of fate. The protagonist, Oedipus, starts off as physically blind, unable to see the truth of his identity and actions. However, as the play progresses, he gains metaphysical insight and understanding, leading him to blind himself as a form of punishment and realization.

This idea is reinforced through various instances in the play, such as Oedipus' confrontations with Tiresias, who is blind yet possesses the ability to see the truth. Oedipus accuses Tiresias of being blind, unaware of the metaphorical blindness that plagues him. Additionally, Oedipus' physical blindness at the end of the play symbolizes his newfound metaphysical awareness and the consequences of his actions.

By exploring the theme of physical and metaphysical blindness, Sophocles suggests that true sight goes beyond physical vision and requires self-reflection and acceptance of one's fate.

Answer 2

In this context he uses the metaphor because the literary device sight is used to build Oedipus Rex and his inability to see

Step-by-step explanation:

The time to reflect for Oedipus sins are given by making him blind his physical blindness gives him the time to reflect upon his mistakes done over the period of time

This refers to the knowledge that is the thing that he is unable to see he himself understands that this was the time for him to repent on his mistake and Aristotle points that the tragic of Oedipus life was due to his excessive pride and self righteous