What is the central theme of the story of Oedipus?
Guilt and Shame The play begins with a declaration from the oracle at Delphi: Thebes is suffering because the person guilty of the murder of King Laius has not been brought to justice. Oedipus sets himself the task of discovering the guilty party—so guilt, in the legal sense, is central to Oedipus Rex.
What additional punishment does Oedipus ask for?
Oedipus’ pride leads him to not only believe he can thwart their will; he doesn’t believe their will when he hears it, despite everyone around him suggesting he pay attention. His pride has blinded him to his oncoming downfall and, fittingly, his punishment for that is to actually become blind.
Why did Oedipus gouge his eyes out?
Oedipus acknowledges that his hubris has left him blind to the truth and is too ashamed of himself to witness the citizens’ reactions. Overall, Oedipus chooses stab out his eyes as a way of punishing himself for his hubris and ignorance.
What is the story of Tiresias?
In Greek mythology, Tiresias (/taɪˈriːsiəs/; Greek: Τειρεσίας, Teiresias) was a blind prophet of Apollo in Thebes, famous for clairvoyance and for being transformed into a woman for seven years. He was the son of the shepherd Everes and the nymph Chariclo.
What does Tiresias predict will happen to Oedipus?
In the first act of Oedipus Rex, Teiresias predicts that Oedipus will be a sibling to his own children, and a son to his own wife. He also tells Oedipus that Laius was the man whom Oedipus killed on the road. Oedipus does not believe the words of Teiresias, and Teiresias is angered by Oedipus’s insolence.
What is Oedipus answer to the chorus?
In response to the chorus, what god does Oedipus say is involved with his sorrows? Where did this god’s influence end? Oedipus believes the gods hate him more than any other man.
How does Tiresias prophecy affect the plot of the story?
ATiresias predicts that Narcissus will drown so his mother Liriope kept him from rivers and springs. DTiresias predicts that Narcissus will live a long life as long as he does not see his reflection; when he does, it leads to his tragic end. …