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Summary and Analysis: Oedipus the King Lines 245-526. Corinth ancient city of Greece located in the north east Peloponnesus, in the islands off central Greece. This characterization not only brings suspicion of himself among the people of Thebes, but plays a role in his eventual downfall. Oedipus is outrage by the statement Tiresias told him. Ironically, this causes the king to gouge out his eyes, which have been blind to the truth for so long. Lines 573-953 - CliffsNotes Use Of Metaphors In Oedipus Rex - Internet Public Library Some scholars mention the two aspects of the play in addition to discussing the theme of knowledge. The irony in this lies in the fact that Oedipus, while gifted with sight, is blind to himself, in contrast to Teiresias, blind physically, but able to see the evil to which Oedipus has fallen prey to. This quote gives insight to the current plot of the story. He becomes very prideful and doesnt want to believe the truth that is being revealed to him and his people. Oedipus can be seen has someone who is not genuinely satisfied until he or she solves all of his lifes puzzles and the last riddle of his life. These are the three main symbols that were used in the story, and sight means knowledge, self-affliction stems from a sense of guilt, and the three way crossroad stands for decisions. Knowledge is characterized as a burst of light which contrasts the darkness of ignorance. Thats the magic number. Is it understanding? At first the shepherd refuses to speak, but under threat of death he tells what he knows Oedipus is actually the son of Laius and Jocasta. The messenger knew this was not right and stepped in immediately to help the poor child. Nothing I could see could bring me joy." Dramatic irony is a literary device in which the audience is aware of a series of events or characteristics that the characters themselves are not yet aware of.