Use Of Symbolism In Oedipus The King By Sophocles

Greek tragedy was a genre most expertly written by Greek playwright Sophocles. Sophocles was one of the most widely known playwrights of his time and rightly so. Oedipus The King is one of his most well-known works; a story in which King Oedipus is quintessentially consumed by his own hubris, resulting is his arduous fall from the throne. Pride is not the only fatal theme that is shown throughout this play. Sophocles introduces the reader to many themes reflective of the “human condition” including themes of egotism, vision, and animosity. In this play however, Sophocles seems to force one theme stronger than the rest, fate. In this play’s entirety, Oedipus faces various roadblocks which seemingly force him to act the way he does. Though Oedipus …show more content…
Symbolism is presented to the audience in numerous ways such as: the symbols of blindness and sight, the crossroads, and swollen ankles. Sight and Blindness are very important symbols in Oedipus The King due to their physical and metaphorical uses. Very early in the play, Tiresias reveals to Oedipus that he too will be blind “…flinging at me the very insults each man here will fling at you so soon” (lines 423-424). Oedipus is in the words of Tiresias “…blind to the corruption of your life…” (line 471). Oedipus refuses to see what has become of his life and ultimately this refusal of the truth does lead him to true blindness (lines 1402-1414). Oedipus has not only become blind to the aforementioned prophecy but he has become physically blind as well. Sight and Blindness are not the only significant symbols in Oedipus The King, The Crossroads in the play are arguably the most significant factor when it comes to the topic of fate. The Crossroads in Oedipus The King are so important for a couple different reasons. This crossroad splits up into three different paths (line 884), leaving three different choices. In Oedipus’ case, these choices could’ve been to: ignore the bump by the guard and to keep travelling to his destination, let his pride get the best of him and kill everyone, or a minor altercation that wouldn’t have likely ended in death. In literature, crossroads or “forks …show more content…
This question has been addressed time and time again but it’s time for an answer. The evidence provided would appear to be favoring the fact that fate has guided Oedipus’ life thus far, but let’s put one more nail in the philosophical coffin. Near the very end of Oedipus The King, at his weakest moment, Oedipus has an epitome that sums up the fate side of the argument quite well. During his conference with “The Chorus”, Oedipus is asked “…how could you bear it, gouging out your eyes? What superhuman power drove you on?” (lines 1465 and 1466) and to this he answers “Apollo…Apollo – he ordained my agonies…my pains on pains! But the hand that struck my eyes was mine…” (lines 1467-1469). These lines of dialogue hold so much more than meets the eye. When Oedipus willingly admits that “Apollo has ordained his fate but he has struck down his eyes”, the previously stated question now has its answer. There is no definite answer as to whether fate or decision guided Oedipus’ life because the answer lies between both sides. Oedipus realizes that Apollo had decided his fate long before he could make any choice but Oedipus also realizes and sheds light to the audience that the challenges and struggles Oedipus made Jocasta, Anitgone, Ismene, Creon, Laius, and even himself go through were ultimately his fault. Yes, Oedipus was doomed to sleep with his own