Oedipus Rex, A Symbol Of Fate - 1517 Words

The most famous scene in Sophocles’, Oedipus Rex, is when Oedipus gouges out his eyes. But that’s not the only example of sight and blindness in this play. In Sophocles world, eyes play a big part in society, as the theme of vision invites the audience to look at the action with a double perspective, through own eyes and through the eyes of those on stage ( Mastronarde pp. 179-182). Considering eyes as an essential piece, it places them as a motif of the play. Within Greek literature, scholars focus on many aspects of the play such as the guilt or innocence of Oedipus, while others evaluate the theme of the myth which question self-knowledge. Defending the importance of their stance, scholars, Lazlo Versenyi, Thomas Huey, Marjorie Champlain, and Michael Parsons analyze the theme from different perspectives. Versenyi says the play was â€Å"of human knowing†, but Hoey calls Oedipus â€Å"a symbol of fate.† Champlain explains the pervading theme of Oedipus is â€Å"The problem of knowledge† and Parson’s detection, that the play was a particular theme of â€Å"internal conflicts†. Questions that may arise are quite informative after reading the full text, Oedipus Rex. Granted proving whether Oedipus is guilty or innocent and other features which are indispensable for an understanding, what was Sophocles true intent behind the story? In concurrence with the evaluations of the scholars, I would like to attach my own analysis of Sophocles’ intent to convey such message as the pursuit ofShow MoreRelatedArchetypes In Charlotte Brontes Jane Eyre And Oedipus Rex913 Words   |  4 PagesArchetype Essay An Archetype is a universal symbol with reoccurring representations in human culture. Archetypes are portrayed through symbols, themes, or characters that rise out of a universal pattern. 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