Ignorance In Oedipus The King Essay

Ignorance; a quality characterized with individuals who are incompetent or unsuccessful. However, ignorance can also result in happiness as it provides protection against the true bleak nature of reality. Similarly, Oedipus is an ignorant character who is predetermined by the Gods to kill his father and lay with his mother from birth, but for the majority of his life he is very successful and happy. Although Oedipus fulfills his prophecy, it is ultimately his own curious nature that leads to his tragic fate as he discovers his true identity. When the plague affects Oedipus’ city, he is very eager to solve the problem by finding the truth about the murder of Laios. First, he begins his investigation by summoning Teiresias to ask about the murder, …show more content…
In addition, he also believes that the truth is not beneficial to him as it is better for Oedipus to live in ignorance than to realize that his whole life is a lie. However, Oedipus does not heed this warning as he is overly curious and wants to solve this mystery. Therefore, to persuade Teiresias to talk he convicts him and Kreon of murdering King Laios. Oedipus does not only ignore Teiresias’ warning, but also his own wife’s. When Oedipus inquires about the Shepard, his wife says, “Forget this herdsman. Forget it all.” (Sophocles Scene 3 136). Iokaste somewhat already knows the truth, but she recognizes that it is better for them to live without confirmation than to realize the nature of their relationship. She tells Oedipus to forget about his parents, because the truth is so unbearable that it is able to overcome both of them. However, Oedipus due to his curiosity refuses to listen and says, “How can you say that, when the clues to my true birth are in my hands.” (Sophocles Scene 3 138-139). Finally, when the Shepherd arrives and is asked about the baby he gave to the Messenger, he denies it to protect Oedipus from the truth and himself for inflicting this