Mr.

7 Pages 1742 Words

to Oedipus himself (Cliff Notes). At this early moment, we see Oedipus’s dangerous pride, which explains his willful blindness and, to a certain extent, justifies his downfall.
With the people of Thebes assembled before him, Oedipus calls upon anyone who knows the murderer of Laius to come forward with the truth. As an incentive, the king promises leniency—exile, not death—to the murderer and a reward to anyone providing information. When no one steps forward, Oedipus curses the murderer and anyone who shelters him—including himself. Little does Oedipus know that end the end this decree will come back to haunt him ( Spark Notes). Oedipus drive for the truth has overtaken him and caused his sense of realism to be blinded.
The blind prophet Tiresias arrives, reluctantly obeying Oedipus’ summons. The king asks for Tiresias’ help in finding the murderer, but the prophet refuses. Furious, Oedipus accuses Tiresias of taking part in the murder. In response, Tiresias states flatly that Oedipus himself murdered Laius (Hillegrass 26-27).
The quest for truth coll...