Themes in Oedipus RexThemes in Oedipus Rex

• Sight and Blindness

As it relates to knowledge

• Fate

Created by Joymichelle Green 2006

FateFate

• What is the definition?

• Who controls it?

• Can it be changed?

Fate is defined as Fate is defined as

• something that unavoidably befalls a person

• that which is inevitably predetermined; destiny

• a prophetic declaration of what must be: The oracle pronounced their fate.

• death, destruction, or ruin.

Who controls it?Who controls it?

Fate is controlled by the gods or by some other means of destiny

Can it be changed?Can it be changed?

This is a central question in the unit. Think about all the instances in which someone

tried to escape fate. Were they successful? Why or why not?

SightSight

Blindness

Oedipus Teiresias Jocasta

Oedipus is blind to…Oedipus is blind to…

• His lineage• His identity

Even though he has his PHYSICAL SIGHT, he is blinded to the truth

Teriesias sees…Teriesias sees…

• Who Oedipus is• What the situation is • How the curse is

affecting and will affect those involved.

Even though he is PHYSICALLY BLIND, he is able to see the truth.

Jocasta (and Laius) are blinded Jocasta (and Laius) are blinded by… by…

• Their fear of the curse

-They believe they can escape the curse and their fate/destiny.

-Neither of them see that fate and or /destiny are inescapable.