edipus as revealed in Scene II:Oedipus: In God's name, we all beg you-Teiresias: You are all ignorant.No; I will never tell you what I know,Now it is my misery; then it will be yours.(40.71-74)Oedipus in his thirst for knowledge sealed his own fate. The prophet was relentless as he dispelled the truth of the murder of Laios. In disbelief, Oedipus disputed the powers of Teirsias:Tell us: Has your mystic mummery ever approached the truth?When that hellcat the Sphinx was performing here,What help were you to these people?(41. 71-76)He revelled in his own glorious feat of the dispelling of the Sphinx:But I came by,Oedipus the simple man, who knows nothingI thought it out for myself, no birds helped me!And this man you think that you can destroy,(41.82-86)These quotes exemplify the dissention between Oedipus and Teiresias, as pride and conflict collide. It is of interest to note that, while Oedipus believes that he has power over the prophet. It is ironic that it is in reality the reverse. Teiresias held the power of knowledge over Oedipus. He had the power of introducing a poison in the conscience of Oedipus that would lead to his demise. The interaction of characters in this scene has proven to be an effective tool for revelation of character.The setting of the scene is significant, for it defines the character flaws of Oedipus. At home in his palace, he feels great pride in his position of saviour for the people of Thebes. Oedipus is well aware of the power that he holds, as he arrogantly announces: "Listen to me, act as the crisis demands,And you shall have relief from all these evils." (39. 3-4) Oedipus also believes that he holds superior standing than Teiresias: "Am I to bear this from him? Damnation. Take you! Out of this place! Out of this place! Out of my sight!" (42.38-40) The setting holds impact, for Oedipus will not stand to be confronted in his palace. He sees the palace as a part of his power, which should not be cha...
