In Lines 425-430, Teiresias and Oedipus have a heated conversation and lead to certain accusations and statements. The quote that came out to me was as follows:
“Oedipus: Do you imagine you can always talk like this and love to laugh at it hereafter?
Teiresias: Yes, if the truth has anything of strength.
Oedipus: It has, but not for you; it has no strength for you because you are blind in mind and ears as well as in your eyes.”
I have chosen these lines of text, especially the last statement Oedipus says because it is very much a true statement for anyone who is close minded. The truth has power but does nothing for someone who refuses to listen to it, and this line can also serve as a reminder for everyone to always have an open mind. Close-minded people often do not want their ideas challenged and in this day and age has led to a lot of discrimination and judgment that shouldn’t happen to begin with.
2 thoughts on “Christina Berry Discussion 6”
I like how you analyzed what Oedipus meant when he said that Teiresias was blind in multiple ways other than physically. However, I think Oedipus is the one who was blind. Teiresias was trying to warn Oedipus and even told him that his anger will always be his flaw and it showed because Oedipus was ready to kill both Teiresias and Creon based on accusations without any real evidence of it being true. This is what happens when you are blind with your mind and ears, and you act impulsively to maintain your power as king. I think this goes well with what you said about close minded people because in this case, Oedipus was being very close minded.
Christina, please be sure to read the prompt carefully. This week, students have been asked to select a quote sung by the Chorus that demonstrates the beautiful poetic language of Sophocles. This is a dialogue between Oedipus and Teiresias.