"Tiresias"

In "Oedipus The King", Oedipus calls for Tiresias, a blind oracle, to foresee the future of Thebes.In that time,everyone's fate is predicted by the oracles, and the elders believe that it is a sin not to believe in them.

Although Tiresias is blind, he claims that he can see the truth better than Oedipus. Actually,Tiresias is called to help finding the murderer of King Laius.Tiresias, who charges Oedipus with the murder, saying "You are the curse, the corruption of land!" Oedipus is shocked and outraged at this charge and he claims that Tiresias and Creon are the true perpetrators,who engage in a conspiracy against the crown.

Before Tiresias leaves, he warns that although Oedipus is now strong and can physically see, he will soon be weak and blind.In the end, as the oracle has predicted, Oedipus kills his father(King Laius)and marries his mother (Jocasta)and also blinds himself with Jocasta's pins.

In conclusion, no one can withstand the blows of fate, just like no one can avoid death. Therefore, the pity and terror aroused by Oedipus' tragic fall brings about a catharsis and the realization that power of fate cannot be overcome by will - even by the will of a king.

By:Chuah Kar Wooi(134185)
B.Ed.(TESL)