What is ironic about Tiresias in Oedipus?

What is ironic about Tiresias in Oedipus?

The argument between Oedipus and the prophet Tiresias is a hotbed for dramatic irony. Tiresias’ claim that Oedipus has caused the plague does not sit well with the King. Oedipus puns on the Prophet’s blindness by suggesting he is a, “seer blind in his craft!” (442).

What is the irony of the role of Teiresias?

Teiresias is also responsible for further developing the theme of blindness by using his own physical blindness to reveal to Oedipus his mental blindness. Lastly, Teiresias is ultimately responsible for imposing dramatic irony because of his great knowledge of the truth of Oedipus.

What is Tiresias ironic condition?

The irony in this is Tiresias is blind. The irony of this equation is that Tiresias can see the situation even though he is blind but Oedipus, who is able to see, can not see the situation.

What role does Tiresias play in Oedipus the King?

Tiresias. Tiresias, the blind soothsayer of Thebes, appears in both Oedipus the King and Antigone. In Oedipus the King, Tiresias tells Oedipus that he is the murderer he hunts, and Oedipus does not believe him.

What does Teiresias reveal to Oedipus as a result of the king’s angry accusation?

What does Teiresias reveal to Oedipus as a result of the king’s angry accusation? As a result of the king’s angry accusations, Tiresias reveals to Oedipus that his parents are not his birth parents. Note the frequent equation of physical sight with knowledge throughout this scene.

What does Oedipus accuse Teiresias of?

Oedipus accuses Teiresias of “play[ing] [a] part” in the murder of Laius (line 414). He doesn’t appear to have any evidence to support this accusation; it’s just a “feeling” that Oedipus has (line 413).

How is irony used in Oedipus?

Oedipus the King is a classic example of dramatic irony because the entire focus of the play is on Oedipus unknowingly condemning himself by demanding to know the truth about the murderer of the former king. The entire action of the play is built on the dramatic irony that the murderer that Oedipus seeks is himself.

Why is Teiresias reluctant to tell Oedipus the truth?

Teiresias seems to hesitate to tell Oedipus the truth about his real identity because the prophet knows that it will only bring pain and upset to the king and his family. He says, Alas, alas, what misery to be wiseWhen wisdom profits nothing!

Why does Tiresias refuse to help Oedipus?

Teiresias, a blind prophet and servant of Apollo, twice was asked by Oedipus to come to the palace to discuss the crisis in Thebes. In the first act of the play he finally appears, revealing the reasons for the city’s devastation, knowledge that he is reluctant to reveal to Oedipus for fear of making him miserable.

Who is Teiresias and what is his role in the story?

In Greek mythology, Tiresias (/taɪˈriːsiəs/; Ancient Greek: Τειρεσίας, romanized: Teiresías) was a blind prophet of Apollo in Thebes, famous for clairvoyance and for being transformed into a woman for seven years. He was the son of the shepherd Everes and the nymph Chariclo.

What does Teiresias reveal to Oedipus does Oedipus believe him?

As a result of the king’s angry accusations, Tiresias reveals to Oedipus that his parents are not his birth parents.

What does Teiresias say to Oedipus and how does Oedipus respond?

Provoked by the anger and insults of Oedipus, Tiresias begins to hint at his knowledge. Finally, when Oedipus furiously accuses Tiresias of the murder, Tiresias tells Oedipus that Oedipus himself is the curse. Oedipus dares Tiresias to say it again, and so Tiresias calls Oedipus the murderer.