of his life. Tiresias reveals to Oedipus that it is Oedipus’ physical sight that deters him from seeing the truths of his past. The proceeding passage illustrates the theme of blindness as revealed by Tiresias to Oedipus. “ And since you have reproached me with my blindness, I say – you have your sight, and do not see what evils are about you, nor with whom, nor in what home you are dwelling.” (Sophocles, pg 15). This quotation clearly depicts the development of the theme of blindness, as Tiresias is tell Oedipus that even though he can see physically he is blinded by his quest to know the truth of his life. Tiresias tells Oedipus that he cannot see the torment that is a part of Oedipus’ life. Tiresias reveals to the reader that to see physically does not mean that you can see mentally, as Oedipus clearly displays towards his past and his fate.Irony is displayed throughout Oedipus Rex and is ultimately displayed by Tiresias. Tiresias, even though completely blind physically, can see the “wretchedness” of Oedipus’ life. On the other hand, Oedipus, who has complete use of his sight, is totally blind to his past and his fate. The extent of Oedipus’ mental blindness is assisted by his ongoing quest for the truths of his life, which end up ruining him. It is ironic that a man who is blind physically can see the suffering and madness that will come to Oedipus in the future due to his ongoing drive for knowledge. “ In the event; for blind instead of seeing, and poor for wealthy, to a foreign land, a staff to point his footsteps, he shall go. Also to his own sons he shall be found related as a brother, though their sire, and of the woman from whose womb he came both son and spouse; one that has raised up seed to his own father, and has murdered him.” (Sophocles, pg 17). This passage contains Tiresias revealing knowledge of Oedipus’ past to him. Oedipus has ju...
