s in his own conceit thinks he can do anything. He feels he is so powerful that no man is above him. (B476) He is not able to see that Dionysus is a god because he is in human form. Pentheus needs to see everything before he can accept it. (B255) By Pentheus agreeing to dress up like a woman, he is asking for a tragic ending. He now begins to listen to Dionysus who he had bound with chains before. He shows how gullible he is, to think Dionysus will now help him. He cannot see himself being set up to take a large fall. (B310) When Teiresias tells Pentheus “Do not be so certain that power is what matters in life,” Pentheus still feels confident. Pentheus was doomed because he did not believe other peoples word about the power of Dionysus. Teiresias was the only character to be able to see things as they were. Even though physically weak, old, and blind he seemed to be mentally strong. (B190) This passage shows that being blind and feeble does not mean that one can not enjoy life. He was able to talk about the future as easily as the past. (B360) Teiresias is able to feel that the gods are more powerful and we as mortals must obey their pleasures. In our experiences, we generally think of blindness as a weakness. In both these tragedies, Teiresias’ blindness became his strength.In Oedipus, while he continues to ask questions the blind prophet was the only one trying to stop him. (O413-420) Teiresias says that Oedipus is blind for not knowing who his parents are. It should be most important for mortals to know who we are and where we come from. (330-345) This is the first time we see Oedipus loosing his temper. This is a new character trait that develops. Teiresias tells Oedipus “it is not fate that I should be your ruin/Apollo is enough.” Oedipus’ pride is hurt during this conversation and he is at the end of his patience. Oedipus is not so much challenging fate as oblivious to it. He feels his well b...
