to recognize those whom you longed to see! Now you shall see only darkness!" (p.29) Now, ironically, Oedipus is physically blind, but his mind is clear. Nevertheless, his suffering will last forever.Once again, sight is an issue when Oedipus must face the citizens of Thebes and receive his punishment from Creon, the sole protector of Thebes. Oedipus approaches the chorus to tell of his sins. The chorus can not stand to look at him. Oedipus symbolically is a "Dread horror for men to see!" (p.29). The sight of Oedipus is blinding to others. Oedipus cannot see the reaction of the chorus, but he knows they are awestruck by the hideous sight of him. Oedipus requests to be cast out to where no man will have to see him. Thus, Creon fulfills his request and expels Oedipus from Thebes, but not before his children, Antigone and Ismene must bear the blinding sight of their father and brother.Sophocles use of symbolism and irony is shown in Oedipus Tyrannus through his use of the notion of seeing and blindness. This common motif is extended throughout the play and takes on a great significance in the development of the plot. In an effort to escape his god given prophecy, Oedipus tragically falls into the depths of unthinkable crimes as a result of the mental blindness of his character; thus never escaping his lot. ...
