The Many Functions of Tiresias in Sophocles Oedipus Rex...

The Many Functions of Tiresias in Sophocles Oedipus Rex The minor role of Tiresias fulfills several chief purposes in Sophocles Oedipus Rex, all of which are necessary in guiding the play through to its tragic ending and the completion of the prophecies. Tiresias primarily functions as the catalyst ultimately responsible for the provocation of Oedipus venomous jealousy, a vital factor in the plays progression. The calm and confident Tiresias also acts as a foil for Oedipus through his dramatic difference in character, which allows the reader to see Oedipus for who he really is and realize that it was he who brought about his own downfall. Lastly, the wise prophet who functions as an authoritative father figure to the†¦show more content†¦There is evidence of Oedipus being selfish, envious, and pugnacious, all of which describe children to some degree. Because of Tiresias seemingly father-like and authoritative conversation with the childlike and antagonistic king, [Oedipus] very quickly ceases to speak to Tiresias as king to subject - to command him or beseech him to serve the common good. Instead he talks to him as a feared and hated rivalà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ (Lesser 148). These tendencies provide ground to the idea that he indeed represents a rebellious son to his fathers (as described by the Oedipus Complex) - Tiresias included. Tiresias role is significant in the support it gives to the father motif, which is understood to be important because of Oedipus hatred toward all father figures (this is symbolized when he murders his father unknowingly). Tiresias significance to the motif is clearly illustrated by the manner in which he conducts himself in addition to the response that he, as a father figure, is able to evoke from Oedipus. The noticeable differences between Tiresias and Oedipus suggest that the prophets role is significant for another reason - it was also designed as a foil for the king; the contrast between the two highlights each of their personality traits to the reader allowing us to see Oedipus for who he really is: a contentious, and envy-driven tyrant. It is imperative that the readers clearly see these traits within the king and recognize that theseShow MoreRelatedThe Psychological Connection to Oedipus the King1387 Words   |  6 Pagesand Scholar Robert Graves wrote in 1995, â€Å"Myth has two main functions. The first is to answer the sort of awkward questions that children ask, such as ‘Who made the world? How will it end? Who was the first man? Where do souls go after death?’†¦The second function of myth is to justify an existing social system and account for traditional rites and customs.† Oedipus the King written by Sophocles in 430 B.C. focuses around the secon d function that Graves noted. The play has been around for centuriesRead Moretheme of alienation n no where man by kamala markandeya23279 Words   |  94 Pagesï » ¿ANTIGONE KEY LITERARY ELEMENTS SETTING This tragedy is set against the background of the Oedipus legend. It illustrates how the curse on the House of Labdacus (who is the grandson of Cadmus, founder of Thebes, and the father of Laius, whose son is Oedipus) brought about the deaths of Oedipus and his wife-mother, Jocasta, as well as the double fratricide of Eteocles and Polynices. Furthermore, Antigone dies after defying King Creon. The play is set in Thebes, a powerful city-state north of