Learn exactly what happened in this chapter, scene, or section of The Oedipus Plays and what it means. I am content (38). Oedipus ' eyes works fine, but he 's completely blind of the ugly fate that gods have placed upon him. Oedipus has already sent his brother-in-law, Creon, to the oracle to learn what to do. So this is what he wants, Creon the loyal, Creon so long my friend! Polynices is kept above ground after his death, denied a grave, and his rotting body offends the gods, his relatives, and ancient traditions. In the story the character Tiresias is a wise, blind prophet that can see the truth, while Oedipus can visually see but is blind to the truth. This physical strength which he possesses and misuses also marked the beginning of his downfall. for a group? His ignorance of past events is what causes the play to unfold as it does. I say you see and still are blind appallingly: Blind to your origins and to a union in your house. (pg 23). Ultimately, the passage is intended to show the ignorance of Oedipus, and the awareness of Tiresias, who are symbols for the pervasiveness of fate. on 2-49 accounts, Save 30% He is in a state of ignorance throughout most of the tragedy, which leads to his demise. E.R Dodds says is that man has no free will but is a puppet in the hands of the gods who pull the strings that make him dance. (35) This shows how the gods are controlling him and his future life. However, we'll still link you to the file. For example, Oedipus' decision to blind himself represents a reversal of the situation in which Oedipus was previously in control of his own destiny. Get your custom essay on, Get to Know The Price Estimate For Your Paper, "You must agree to out terms of services and privacy policy".