Oedipus paper
... 1299). The words of Tiresias outrage King Oedipus, but Tiresias has no intention of revealing the truth. While the emotions of Oedipus turn to anger, he ponders the meaning behind Tiresias’s words. In addition to Tiresias knowing the murder of Laius, he is blind. As a prophet Tiresias has spiritual insight and Oedipus claims, “Blind as you are, you can feel all the more what sickness haunts our city” (Sophocles 1298). Although his words have great meaning, Tiresias continues in silence refusing to reveal his secret. By not telling the truth, Tiresias believes he is saving King Oedipus from his terrible past and thinks he is helping Oedipus from getting hurt. In actuality, Tiresias is helping to mold the anger in Oedipus. With Tiresias being blind, he continues to withhold the truth from Oedipus. In an attempt to give insight to Oedipus, Tiresias claims, “How terrible-to see the truth when the truth is only pain to him that sees!” (Sophocles 1299). With this said, Oedipus demands the truth from Tiresias, but Tiresias believes Oedipus cannot handle the truth. His protection only confuses Oedipus and the anger in Oedipus progresses. After withholding the truth long enough, Tiresias decides to reveal his secret. He mocks Oedipus for solving riddles while in turn giving him another. Tiresias claims, “You are the curse, the corruption of the land” (Sophocles 1299). Oedipus now angry as ever refuses to believe Tiresias. Again Tiresias answers back saying, “you are the murderer you hunt” (Sophocles 1300). Oedipus in return responds by insisting Tiresias leave at once. Since Oedipus now knows the truth, he d...