Omar Aly Discussion 6

“ Teiresias, you are versed in everything,

things teachable and things not to be spoken,

things of the heaven and earth-creeping things.

You have no eyes but in your mind you know330 with

what a plague our city is afflicted.

My lord, in you alone we find a champion,

in you alone on that can rescue us.

Perhaps you have not heard the messengers,

but Phoebus sent in answer to our sending 335 an

oracle declaring that our freedom

from this disease would only come when we

should learn the names of those who killed King Laius,

and kill them or expel them from our country.”

Lines 327 – 339 

The above quote is spoken by the Oedipus to Teiresias in Oedipus the King. This passage stands out to me because of the powerful language used to describe Teiresias’s knowledge and ability to help the city of Thebes. The Chorus acknowledges that Teiresias is knowledgeable about everything, including things that cannot be spoken of, which adds to his sense of mystery and power. Additionally, the use of phrases such as “earth-creeping things” and “plague our city is afflicted” create vivid and impactful imagery. The Chorus sees Teiresias as the only one who can rescue them from the plague, which adds a sense of urgency to the situation. The mention of Phoebus’s oracle and the need to find the killer of King Laius adds a sense of mystery and intrigue to the plot, setting up the central conflict of the play. Overall, this passage showcases the Chorus’s ability to use language to set the scene and create tension, while also highlighting the power and knowledge of Teiresias.