These are the first lines the blind prophet Tiresias speaks on stage in Antigone, and they portend a truth that pervades the entire trilogy: Oftentimes, the blind have sight and the sighted are blind. Because it is treasonous to criticize a king and because Oedipus has a violent temper and must see for himself that the evidence is true are the reasons why Teiresias hesitates to tell Oedipus the . A group of people who would speak in unison, represent the people/society of the time. Log in here. Instead, he gave the king hints. He was the son of the shepherd Everes and the nymph Chariclo. Oedipus sends for Tiresias, the blind prophet, and asks him what he knows about the murder. Puzzled at first, then angry, Oedipus insists that Tiresias tell Thebes what he knows. he gets mad a creon. Tiresias knows that Oedipus slayed his father and married his mother, but refuses to tell him because of the pain it would cause. Even if Oedipus isn't fond of what the prophet is doing and decides to insult him and his power, Tiresias still refuses to speak up. Tiresias changes his mind and lets Oedipus have it. Start your 48-hour free trial to get access to more than 30,000 additional guides and more than 350,000 Homework Help questions answered by our experts. In both plays, he represents the same force the truth rejected by a willful and proud king, almost the personification of Fate itself. It seemed to me, as I looked again at the myth, that it reflected much of Freud's own life, not merely his obdurate courage in the face of the Nazi threat, and the insufferable pain of the cancer . Log in here. why does oedipus blind himselfreformed presbyterian wedding vowsreformed presbyterian wedding vows Answer (1 of 2): Tiresias fulfills this role mainly by not doing Creon's homework for him. Oedipus also summons the blind prophet Tiresias, who claims to know the answers to Oedipus' questions, but refuses to speak, lamenting his ability to see the truth when the truth brings nothing but pain. He foreshadows, "Blind who now has eyes, beggar who is now rich, he will grope his way toward a foreign soil, a stick tapping before him step by step" (516-519). The danger of the riddling Sphinx prevented a proper investigation of . " When they awake and prepare to leave the following morning, Odysseus learns that yet another of his men has perished, having fallen from the roof after drinking too . With our Essay Lab, you can create a customized outline within seconds to get started on your essay right away. . Oedipus is incensed by Tiresias's response and accuses the blind prophet of colluding with Creon to overthrow him.. Tiresias responds cryptically, lamenting his ability to see the truth when the truth brings nothing but pain. Inseparable from the mythology of his storied city, he played a central role in the lives of everyone from Cadmus to the Seven against Thebes. When the priests come to seek for help to the new king, Oedipus notes that he has . Oedipus then decides to banish Tiresias and continues to seek answers. Oedipus begs him to reveal who Laius's murderer is, but Tiresias answers only that he knows the truth but wishes he did not. Tiresias came, but first, he refused to say what he knew. It is easier for him to accuse Tiresias and Creon of telling a . He was also blind to the fact that Jocasta, his wife, who actually his mom, and Laius was his dad. He advises Oedipus to abandon his search but, when the enraged Oedipus accuses Tiresias of complicity in the murder, Tiresias . Sophocles establishes emotional attachment between the king and the audience . This theme is best demonstrated through Oedipus' pride, his encounters with Tiresias, and his wife Jocasta. Speak the truth definition: When you speak , you use your voice in order to say something. The play starts off in the middle of a deadly plague, that is triggered by the death and shame of an unpunished murderer of the former king of Thebes, Laius. Finally, Tiresias reveals, "You killed the man whose killer you now hunt" (435) and both . Your subscription will continue automatically once the free trial period is over. Odysseus's plan is to make a ________ from a six foot section of an olive tree. The Essay on Hamartia with Respect to Oedipus in the Play "Oedipus Rex" Hamartia with respect to Oedipus in the play Oedipus Rex. When Tiresias finally gives in and tells Oedipus that he is in fact the man he is looking for , Oedipus says he is lying and conspiring with Creon against him . Use up and down arrows to review and enter to select. 1. acts like characters, groups of citizens. The irony of the encounter between Tiresias and Oedipus is that the physically blind (Tiresias) is the one who understands the truth of the matter, while the physically sighted (Oedipus) is blind to the truth. When Tiresias is pushed to reveal the truth, Oedipus. 1. must have a fall fro greatness. 2 Corinthians 2:17. The Cyclops continues his ritual by eating ___ more of the men. Want 100 or more? The burden of the visions causes Tiresias to weep. The irony of sight in this play can be marked by Oedipus' inability to realize that which is evident to the reader. He foreshadows, "Blind who now has eyes, beggar who is now rich, he will grope his way toward a foreign soil, a stick tapping before him step by step" (516-519). From then on, Tiresias is no longer reluctant to speak the truth, and pronounces it frequently throughout the rest of the conversation. Tiresias is blind but can see the truth; Oedipus has his sight but cannot. When the blind prophet Tiresias is brought to Oedipus, he shows great reluctance to tell the king what he knows about the murder of Laius. But after many requests, Tiresias says Oedipus himself was the cause. 470-471). why does milo mistake the gelatinous giant for a mountain? Although Zeus was unable to reverse Hera's curse, he gave him the gift of prophecy as a reward for speaking the truth. Tiresias the soothsayer is reluctant to tell the truth. See Page 1. Kamba Rites Of Passage, how much did lawrence welk band members make; walmart distribution center pedricktown, nj 08067; smoked coffee beans on pellet smoker; power xl air fryer turn off beeping Tiresias came, but first, he refused to say what he knew. The theme of blindness and sight pick up speed at this juncture. (381). Because it is treasonous to criticize a king and because Oedipus has a violent temper and must see for himself that the evidence is true are the reasons why Teiresias hesitates to tell Oedipus the . Tiresias is physically blind but in his other uniquely higher vision, he is able to see all the truth about Oedipus. Oedipus then decides to banish Tiresias and continues to seek answers. The angry king and provoked prophet cast nasty insults back . You can view our. what finally causes tiresias to speak the truth. renaissance dbq document b July 1st, 2021 by July 1st, 2021 by Let us know your assignment type and we'll make sure to get you exactly the kind of answer you need. The play starts off in the middle of a deadly plague, that is triggered by the death and shame of an unpunished murderer of the former king of Thebes, Laius. creating and saving your own notes as you read. Tiresias replies that he is beholden to no one but Apollothe "higher authority" that the Greeks thought was God. Although he is blind, Tiresias is the wisest of all of the characters in all three plays. 6 year presidential term pros and cons. Renew your subscription to regain access to all of our exclusive, ad-free study tools. Tiresias advises Oedipus to forget about the truth, but of course he ignores. The terrible deeds that are Oedipus 's undoing actually took place long before the play begins. Answer (1 of 11): Tiresias, the blind seer appears in several plays and stories in Greek mythology. 2. used to set the mood and heighten dramatic effects. See answer (1) Copy. And speak the truth that no man may believe.' And in his 1922 poem The Waste Land, T. S. Eliot has Tiresias speak to us, in the third section of the poem, 'The Fire Sermon' (which we analyse here). hospital valet job description what finally causes tiresias to speak the truth Tiresias is blind but can see the truth; Oedipus has his sight but cannot. 8. 2. used to set the mood and heighten dramatic effects. This allows him to speak the painful truth to Oedipus. Significant Moment #2: Tiresias refuses to say what he knows, and Oedipus disrespects him. Since Oedipus knows this, Oedipus sends for Tiresias in order to find out who murdered King Laos. uk religion statistics 2020 pie chart. Character Analysis Tiresias. Puzzled at first, then angry, Oedipus insists that Tiresias tell Thebes what he knows. Ace your assignments with our guide to The Oedipus Plays! See Page 1. Oedipus Rex, also known by its Greek title, Oedipus Tyrannus (Ancient Greek: , pronounced [oidpos trannos]), or Oedipus the King, is an Athenian tragedy by Sophocles that was first performed around 429 BC. In Oedipus Rex, how does Oedipus's tragic flaw lead to his downfall? Divatainment, a female staff dominated company, was founded due to demand by the market for specialised attention from marketers for a specific target market through the use of mobilisation roadshows. While the two men are speaking, Tiresias tells Oedipus that Oedipus is the man who murdered King Laos . Various answers to this question suggest themselves, including the following: I get the feeling you conspired in the act, and played your part, as much as you could do, short of killing him with your own hands. Isulat sa iyong kuwaderno .3. Oedipus begs him to reveal who Laius's murderer is, but Tiresias answers only that he knows the truth but wishes he did not. Q: What walks on four legs in the morning, two in the afternoon, and three in the evening? Hera, furious with Tiresias for revealing the secret of a woman's enjoyment of sex, struck him blind. 1. must have a fall fro greatness. We're sorry, SparkNotes Plus isn't available in your country. for a customized plan. . Finally, Jocasta reveals the truth to Oedipus. Tiresias advises Oedipus to forget about the truth, but of course he ignores. Talakayin ito sa pamamagitan ng talata. Latest answer posted April 01, 2021 at 5:20:02 PM, Latest answer posted December 20, 2020 at 11:15:18 AM, Latest answer posted November 20, 2019 at 12:42:51 AM. When they awake and prepare to leave the following morning, Odysseus learns that yet another of his men has perished, having fallen from the roof after drinking too . Why has Oedipus sent for Tiresias? Tiresias tells the truth that Oedipus murdered Laius. Oedipus begs him to reveal who Laius's murderer is, but Tiresias answers only that he knows the truth but wishes he did not. * Bei Fragen einfach anrufen oder schreiben: +49 (0)176 248 87 424. this is the zodiac speaking game ending; nissan cvt transmission warranty australia 30 seconds. She was found "hanging by the neck, cradled high in a woven noose, spinning, swinging back and forth" (Sophocles 651). It blinds him from the truth. Finally, when Oedipus furiously accuses Tiresias of the murder, Tiresias tells Oedipus that Oedipus himself is the curse Advertisement Still have questions? Tiresias responds cryptically, lamenting his ability to see the truth when the truth brings nothing but pain. russell wilson salary per year. King Oedipus' problem is that he is too arrogant. In both Antigone and Oedipus the King, Tiresias plays the role of truth-speaker and prophet. "In Sophocles's play Oedipus Rex, when Tiresias does speak, he speaks the truth. Oedipus arrogance causes him to accuse Tiresias of going against him and betraying him. The irony of the encounter between Tiresias and Oedipus is that the physically blind (Tiresias) is the one who understands the truth of the matter, while the physically sighted (Oedipus) is blind to the truth. He was the son of the shepherd Everes and the nymph Chariclo. Tiresias comes to Oedipus against his will, not wanting to explain the meaning of the oracle to the king . Oedipus, of course, doesn't believe this and accuses the prophet of being in line with Creon. by ; in john and livi come dine with me; on June 29, 2022; 0 . SparkNotes PLUS Tiresias reveals the truth to Oedipus because of his perseverance in uncovering the . When the truth finally dawns on her, she finds it so horrifying that she can not accept it. As for Tiresias, the opposite applies. His mouth open, his eyes drooped Doubling back, he grabbed a torch and joined Benjen as he knelt next to the warg. Gamit ang napanood na video o larawan gawin ang mga sumusunod.1. Tiresias' control of the dialogue is complete. Oedipus begs him to reveal who Laius's murderer is, but Tiresias answers only that he knows the truth but wishes he did not. In lines (83 to 85) [1] Oedipus praises Tiresias by his soul because the blind prophet remains the only gleam in the dusky days. Tiresias" boy like everyone imagines the visions are a great gift that should be cherished. Oedipus curses and insults the old man, going so far as to accuse him of the murder. The tragedy must not be a spectacle of a virtuous man brought from prosperity to adversity: for this moves neither pity nor fear; it merely shocks us; nor again, that of a bad man passing from adversity to prosperityIt must concern a man who is not eminently . [1] Tiresias eventually reveals the truth, that Oedipus not only murdered the king, but "set [himself] and his children on one line" by marrying his mother. At first, he is not believed, but his words come true in the end. Tiresias reveals that Oedipus has been blind to the truth his whole life and when he finally does find the truth, he loses his . 20% Thebes was ruled by a king and if the king were found to have murdered his father and married his mother, then the whole city would suffer. At one point in their conversation, the two men begin to argue. Wary of catching the tent on fire, he brought the torch close. This man is known to only speak the truth, and when threatened by Oedipus to express that knowledge about the murder, it leads to a tragedy, rather than enlightenment, in this plot. The quick change in King's opinion is caused by Tiresias' silence. He was also blind to the fact that Jocasta, his wife, who actually his mom, and Laius was his dad. In addition to this unspoken irony, the conversation Oedipus Rex, a play written by Sophocles, is an Athenian tragedy that takes place in the city of Thebes. A boy leads in the blind prophet Tiresias. When Tiresias arrives at line 340, Oedipus praises him as an all-powerful seer who has shielded Thebes from many a plague. He advises Oedipus to abandon his search but, when the enraged Oedipus accuses Tiresias of complicity in the murder, Tiresias . Tiresias really doesn't want to tell Oedipus the truth. Without speaking, Tiresias stood with Benjen and they proceeded to the back, past the Free Folk who averted their eyes. Provoked by the anger and insults of Oedipus, Tiresias begins to hint at his knowledge. 2023 eNotes.com, Inc. All Rights Reserved, Significant Myths and Structure of the Text. Fed up with Oedipus's words, Tiresias tells Oedipus what he knows, which is that Oedipus himself is the cause of the curse. She reveals that she and Laius had abandoned their son, who was then adopted . Oedipus Rex, also known by its Greek title, Oedipus Tyrannus (Ancient Greek: , pronounced [oidpos trannos]), or Oedipus the King, is an Athenian tragedy by Sophocles that was first performed around 429 BC. King Oedipus' problem is that he is too arrogant. He has an interesting connection with the Olympian gods, and is known to be functioning as an interpreter and diviner of the wishes and oracles of the gods. sort of thing, except without Jack Nicholson. Second, Oedipus ask Tiresias about the murder, because he's a wise man, but Tiresias refuses to share any iinformation about the truth because it will cause an even . advantages of dynamic scoping vs static scoping, are newspapers put in plastic bags by machine, Columbia University Applied Analytics Gre Score. Oedipus curses and insults the old man, going so far as to accuse him of the murder. Tiresias replies that he is beholden to no one but Apollothe "higher authority" that the Greeks thought was God. Renews March 11, 2023 In Oedipus the King, the new king of Thebes, Oedipus, consults Tiresias regarding the investigation of the previous king's death. Finally, when Oedipus furiously accuses Tiresias of the murder, Tiresias tells Oedipus that Oedipus himself is the curse Advertisement Still have questions? Scene 5: Teiresias says the new calamity Creon has brought to Thebes is. Tiresias replies that he is beholden to no one but Apollothe higher authority that the Greeks thought was God. Ric Segreto Cause Of Death, More books than SparkNotes. Creon also explains that Laius was killed on a road by a band of highwaymen. Oedipus, of course, doesn't believe this and accuses the prophet of being in line with Creon. Oedipus sends for Tiresias, the blind prophet, and asks him what he knows about the murder. Tiresias' control of the dialogue is complete. Tiresias replies that he is beholden to no one but Apollothe "higher authority" that the Greeks thought was God. The part of the poem in which Tiresias appears features a typist and an estate agent's clerk engaging in joyless sex, presumably a nod to . The boy tells Tiresias "Smile, master smile. At Thebes, Tiresias played an active part in the tragic events involving Laius, the king of Thebes, and his son Oedipus. Out of frustration, Oedipus begins to insult the prophet, going as far as accusing Tiresias of being Laius's murderer. Please wait while we process your payment. As people become biased toward certain views, it can cause them to become blinded by even the most evident facts. In Greek mythology, Tiresias (/ t a r i s i s /; Ancient Greek: , romanized: Teiresas) was a blind prophet of Apollo in Thebes, famous for clairvoyance and for being transformed into a woman for seven years. Instead, it is easier for him to believe that the story is part of a plot Tiresias and Creon have concocted to falsely smear him with a crime and take the throne from him. . In this feeble situation Tiresias was called by the leader of Chorus. Analysis. Get Annual Plans at a discount when you buy 2 or more! His hubris is once again exemplified when questioning the blind man, Tiresias. Not affiliated with Harvard College. 2. Oedipus curses and insults the old man, going so far as to accuse him of the murder. From then on, Tiresias is no longer reluctant to speak the truth, and pronounces it frequently throughout the rest of the conversation. . par | Juin 16, 2022 | geography paper 1 2019 mark scheme | ollie dabbous parents | Juin 16, 2022 | geography paper 1 2019 mark scheme | ollie dabbous parents Oedipus sends for Tiresias, the blind prophet, and asks him what he knows about the murder. Still Oedipus, who has a temper, pesters Tiresias until he spills the truth. Youve successfully purchased a group discount. Oedipus pleads and pleads with him to set his city free with the truth, and Tiresias pities him and says that he will not be part. The reveal of the truth is too much for Oedipus to handle that eventually, he becomes blind. Oedipus also summons the blind prophet Tiresias, who claims to know the answers to Oedipus' questions, but refuses to speak, lamenting his ability to see the truth when the truth brings nothing but pain. He accuses Tiresias of stubbornness (402). The blind seer sees the truth, but . real estate agent business card requirements florida why does oedipus blind himself Oedipus is happy that Tiresias came to tell Oedipus the truth. cnut the great cause of death. Oedipus says that the Shepherd "will die now unless you [he] speak [s] the truth". What quotes refer to sight and blindness in Oedipus Rex,and what do they mean? Tiresias replies that he is beholden to no one but Apollothe "higher authority" that the Greeks thought was God. on 2-49 accounts, Save 30% a blessing on the city. No matter how much praise the leaders heap on as he arrives and they're seeking his prophecy, they immediately turn on him when he reveals truths . When Tiresias first enters he does so at the bidding of Oedipus. Oedipus lacks self-restraint which causes him to insult Tiresias with harsh words. When Oedipus finally opens up his eyes to the world and sees the truth, which has been right in front of him all along, he blinds himself physically. It is easier for him to accuse Tiresias and Creon of telling a terrible lie about him. The angry king and provoked prophet cast nasty insults back . When Tiresias is pushed to reveal the truth, Oedipus. Oedipus then is filled with rage after hearing Tiresias accusations that Oedipus is the "plague" and has "poisoned his own land" (717). Tiresias is a blind prophet that presents the truth to King Oedipus. 0 . Tiresias eventually capitulates and informs Oedipus that he is Laius's murderer. Drinking the blood temporarily revitalizes the dead; briefly they can communicate with Odysseus and speak only truth. The blind prophet Tiresias speaks truth to power. Oedipus sends for Tiresias, the blind prophet, and asks him what he knows about the murder. This allows him to speak the painful truth to Oedipus. Answers: 1 on a question: Gawain sa Pagkatuto Bilang 3. But Creon refuses to heed his warning and accuses Tiresias of profiteering. In a twist of irony, Oedipus lashes at Tiresias by mocking his physical blindness, unaware that it is he (Oedipus) who is blind to the . Furthermore, the rejection of Tiresias' prophecy can be used to display the ignorance of other men, even the King, Oedipus. Save over 50% with a SparkNotes PLUS Annual Plan! He advises Oedipus to abandon his search but, when the enraged Oedipus accuses Tiresias of complicity in the murder, Tiresias is provoked . As Odysseus reaches the Underworld he slits a sheep's throat and lets the blood poor from it into a large pit. You know fates lattice, the chattering crows tell you all." It seemed to me, as I looked again at the myth, that it reflected much of Freud's own life, not merely his obdurate courage in the face of the Nazi threat, and the insufferable pain of the cancer . (321) This is an example of how Tiresias does see, yet he is blind. "When Teiresias does speak, he speaks the truth. Thebes was ruled by a king and if the king were found to have murdered his father and married his mother, then the whole city would suffer. At first he refuses to tell Oedipus what he knows. Let us know your assignment type and we'll make sure to get you exactly the kind of answer you need. Because it is treasonous to criticize a king and because Oedipus has a violent temper and must see for himself that the evidence is true are the reasons why Teiresias hesitates to tell Oedipus the . See Page 1. what finally causes tiresias to speak the truth. hellcat vs p938; simple small front yard landscaping ideas low maintenance; jenny's super stretchy bind off in the round; senate democratic media center The blind prophet of Thebes appears in Oedipus the King and Antigone. he is very prideful. the long line at Dairy Queen. . He saw Orell on his back, bundled. . Among the ancient authors who mention him are Sophocles, Euripides, Pindar, and Ovid. It seemed to me, as I looked again at the myth, that it reflected much of Freud's own life, not merely his obdurate courage in the face of the Nazi threat, and the insufferable pain of the cancer . His metalinguistic observation stresses anger again as a motivation for linguistic acts in continuity with similar previous observations by both speakers and . Provoked by the anger and insults of Oedipus, Tiresias begins to hint at his knowledge. Tiresias thus states that he caused Oedipus' anger, which in turn caused Oedipus' insults, which allowed Tiresias to speak the truth. papilerasmharielle02. 8. Finally, when Oedipus furiously accuses Tiresias of the murder, Tiresias tells Oedipus that Oedipus himself is the curse. A group of people who would speak in unison, represent the people/society of the time. Not knowing he was the killer of Laius made him blind. eNotes Editorial, 30 Aug. 2011, https://www.enotes.com/homework-help/when-tiresias-does-speak-he-speaks-truth-why-275077. Sophocles and The Oedipus Plays Background. All content on this site, created by Lars T. Schlereth, is protected by copyright. Summary A boy leads in the blind prophet Tiresias. At first he refuses to tell Oedipus what he knows. Tiresias, son of the nymph Chariclo, was a remarkably long-lived prophet of Thebes. Oedipus lacks self-restraint which causes him to insult Tiresias with harsh words. Oedipus was awared of the distinguished characteristics of Tiresias that he makes prophecies and born to know and tell the truth. His extreme pride is his tragic flaw. Describe the actor. Tiresias is a blind prophet who helps Odysseus see what danger awaits him on his way home. At the beginning of the play, Oedipus views himself as a hero. Oedipus sets about to solve the murder ask the blind prophet Tiresias at first refuses to speak, but finally accuses Oedipus himself of killing Laius. aldi distribution centre castle donington; wendi mae davidson mother; ashley terkeurst hodges and david hodges; Latest answer posted December 09, 2017 at 3:30:49 PM. The reveal of the truth is too much for Oedipus to handle that eventually, he becomes blind. At first he refuses to tell Oedipus what he knows. He accuses Tiresias of insulting Thebes (407). Oedipus, of course, doesn't believe this and accuses the prophet of being in line with Creon. Tiresias knows who Oedipus' parents are, and he knows that the revelation of Oedipus' genealogy will cause the foundations of Oedipus' identity to crumble, simultaneously destroying one man and . 4. has to suffer greatly. He sends for the blind prophet Tiresias to provide an answer, but Tiresias refuses to speak and warns Oedipus that he is the cause of Thebes' suffering. Wary of catching the tent on fire, he brought the torch close. Tiresias begs Oedipus to send him home and refuses to utter a word. The men will hew the wood so it has a pointed end and toughen it in the fire. Oedipus claims that he longs to know the truth; Tiresias says that seeing the truth only brings one pain. These are the first lines the blind prophet Tiresias speaks on stage in Antigone, and they portend a truth that pervades the entire trilogy: Oftentimes, the blind have sight and the sighted are blind. Oedipus sends for Tiresias, the blind prophet, and asks him what he knows about the murder. When Tiresias finally gives in and tells Oedipus that he is in fact the man he is looking for , Oedipus says he is lying and conspiring with Creon against him . 1. acts like characters, groups of citizens. The burden of the visions causes Tiresias to weep. Oedipus also summons the blind prophet Tiresias, who claims to know the answers to Oedipus ' questions, but re fuses to speak, lamenting his ability to see the truth when the truth brings nothing but pain. At first he refuses to tell Oedipus what he knows. Sophocles' Oedipus is the tragedy of tragedies. why does oedipus blind himselfreformed presbyterian wedding vowsreformed presbyterian wedding vows This allows him to speak the painful truth to Oedipus. Oedipus believed that Tiresias is a traitor and is lying about his accusations to harm him. Tiresias responds cryptically, lamenting his ability to see the truth when the truth brings nothing but pain. Find more answers Oedipus became angry and accused him of plotting along with Creon to take over the throne. Finally, Tiresias . (381). Tiresias is blind but can see the truth; Oedipus has his sight but cannot. His mouth open, his eyes drooped Doubling back, he grabbed a torch and joined Benjen as he knelt next to the warg. To start off his investigation into the murder of Laius, Oedipus sends for Tiresias, a prophet of Apollo. What caused Tiresias to change his mind and speak the truth, do you think? TO CANCEL YOUR SUBSCRIPTION AND AVOID BEING CHARGED, YOU MUST CANCEL BEFORE THE END OF THE FREE TRIAL PERIOD. Oedipus claims that he longs to know the truth; Tiresias says that seeing the truth only brings one pain. When he is lead to the King, he comments "How terrible to see the truth when the truth is only pain to him who sees. But Tiresias does not want to tell Oedipus what he knows. He's generally a fearless soul who always tells it like it is, irrespective of the consequences. Puzzled at first, then angry, Oedipus insists that Tiresias tell Thebes what he knows. Even though he suffers from physical blindness, Tiresias has captured spiritual sight. The tragic flaw that causes Oedipus's downfall is. Our summaries and analyses are written by experts, and your questions are answered by real teachers. The tragedy of Oedipus Rex, a drama text by Sophocles, follows the moral underpinning Greek tragedy theme throughout - that people learn through suffering. Oedipus then is filled with rage after hearing Tiresias accusations that Oedipus is the "plague" and has "poisoned his own land" (717).