Suffering In Sophocles Oedipus The Tyrant

For the Greeks of ancient times, a source of entertainment was often found in the theaters, where great tragedies were performed. The narratives of these tragedies evoked in the audience feelings of pain and fear that were built up as the plot progressed; but were released as the tragic events transpired. The Greek audience not only obtained pleasure from this catharsis, or purification of emotions, but also acquired gratification from the ability to understand and connect with the hero. In the tragedy, Oedipus the Tyrant, the Greek philosopher Sophocles presents a paradigm of men that people can pity and identify with as he encounters his disastrous fate and experiences immense suffering. The character Oedipus was a tyrant, having seized the power
In his quest for the answer of the source of the plague, he sometimes encounters characters that are hesitant to reveal the truth. His first confrontation is with Teiresias, a blind prophet that he seeks for assistance. Teiresias, despite threats and insults from Oedipus, refuses to give him the answer to the mystery of Laius’ death, which is critical to resolving the problem of the plagues. As a result, Oedipus’ temper escalates and his persistence to know the truth drives him to press forward for the answer, which finally leads to a revelation from Teiresias, “I say that with those you love best you live in foulest shame unconsciously and do not see where you are in calamity” (Oedipus 367). The irony of this statement is that at the time it was said, Oedipus is mentally unaware of the circumstances in his life, but physically able to see. By the end of the story when he realizes the plague was brought on by his own misdoings, he carves out his eyes: he then becomes literally blind, but mentally conscious of his