Oedipus’s search for the actual culprit of Laius's death illustrates a consistent theme of blindness throughout the play. In the play, clear vision symbolizes a person with vast amounts of knowledge and the ability to be able to control their own destiny. Through the knowledge of prophecy from the oracle, many characters are able to use these visions to prevent possible misfortunes and bad futures. However, this gift of sight also causes them to be blinded to their present situation. The investigation of the truth reveals this blindness of several characters throughout the play. Among of these characters is Jocasta and her assumption that her son, Oedipus, was dead. This blinded assumption was due to her belief in the shepherd to listen to her orders which caused her to ignore her prophecy of Laius and Oedipus.
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On the contrary of Jocasta’s blindness, Oedipus’ blindness is different. Although Oedipus’ clear vision and knowledge help him to be popular with the people in Thebes so much so that he was crowned as king, he is blind to the truth of his own identity. During Oedipus encounter with Tiresias, Oedipus continues to reject Tiresias’ statements and calls Tiresias “stone-blind and stone-deaf” (423). This part of the investigation shows the irony of the situation and illuminates that Oedipus is blind
On the contrary of Jocasta’s blindness, Oedipus’ blindness is different. Although Oedipus’ clear vision and knowledge help him to be popular with the people in Thebes so much so that he was crowned as king, he is blind to the truth of his own identity. During Oedipus encounter with Tiresias, Oedipus continues to reject Tiresias’ statements and calls Tiresias “stone-blind and stone-deaf” (423). This part of the investigation shows the irony of the situation and illuminates that Oedipus is blind