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Anthony Perez
Mrs. Stafford
Modern lit.
9-2-14
Self-discovery allows for insight into ones self, creating an understanding of their inner
workings and forming a connection with their surroundings. Oedipus Rex challenges the
preconceived ideas of a mans self-image through various realizations. He gouges out his eyes in
order to understand himself for who he truly is. This Tragedys constant reference to sight
alludes to the idea of truth presented in metaphorical blindness, physical blindness and the
concept of acceptance. Oedipus Rex chronicles the journey Oedipus makes as he seeks a solution
for his plague ridden city and stumbles along truths about himself.
Oedipus is metaphorically blind due to his large ego. He is told of a prophecy which
foretold to him murdering his father and producing a marriage of incest. He is infuriated by this
information and disclaims the legitimacy of the prophet who foretold this. You live in endless
darkness of the night, so you can never injure me or any man who can glimpse daylight (449-
451). Self-discovery is denied to Oedipus because of his stubbornness to accept an inconvenient
truth. He believes that because the prophet lives in darkness, he must also live in ignorance. This
ignorance stems from his inability to see truth. Oedipus, as a physically sighted person,
believes he has a better understanding of truth than the wise, blind prophet. This coincides with
Platos Allegory in which peoples views of shadows are challenged by others with better
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understanding of the visuals. They are prevented from achieving a stage of self-enlightenment,
therefore, rendering themselves metaphorically blind.
Once Oedipus realizes the truth of his past he takes away his own sight, allowing him to
see himself clearer, In my wretched life, why should I have eyes when nothing I could see
would bring me joy (1585-1587). He comes to terms with the idea of who he is and decides that
hes been fooled by his sight for too long. The idea of being blind will allow for the use of other
senses to form a better understanding. This handicap will allow Oedipus for greater knowledge
into himself by forcing thoughts with more depth. The challenge in Platos Allegory is that
people that have only seen the shadows might not be willing to accept new ideas that they
havent seen in person. This means that they are happy living in a delusional world, rather than
one full of truths. Sight isnt necessarily only vision, it relates to observing and understanding
which is still possible for a blind man. He realizes that joy in his life hasnt been brought on a
physical state, but forms with ideas and concepts
Acceptance is an element that also allows for self-discovery. I wish you well 1747.
From this point on, Oedipus enters a state where he accepts his position and is worried about the
well-being for those around him. He no longer fears for himself and has decided that it is in his
best interest. This self-less act shows how he is progressing as a person although hes had so
much misfortune brought upon him. He now understands how he has become more mature and
better in a sense with his new ideas of truth.
Oedipus Rex focuses on self-discovery and tackles it through the idea of sight and truth.
It is presented in ideas of blindness and metaphorical blindness while not strafing into other
virtues present in Greek times. Sight is presented as a pathway to understanding and forming
truths that evolve along with people that are subjected to them, therefore leading to self-
enlightenment.