Writing Resources
Sophocles Use of Symbolism In Oedipus the King by Sophocles The King of Thebes Oedipus is attempting to uncover the killer of King Laios he is then told by the leader of the Chorus to ask Apollo to name the killer although Oedipus was the killer himself Symbolism in Oedipus The King is important because it helps the reader understand the different strengths and flaws of Teiresias and Oedipus In Oedipus The King the author Sophocles uses symbolism to convey unlikely abilities develop a character and to create irony Sophocles uses symbolism to show that although someone may not have all of the same features as others they have their own strengths which make them unique In order to understand what Apollo is saying the Leader of the Chorus tells Oedipus to seek Tiresias who sees what the god Apollo sees 388 The Leader also says that If you heard the god speaking heard his voice you might see more more more 390 391 Sophocles uses symbolism in this statement in order to show that even though Tiresias is blind he has the ability to see through the god Apollo and also has the ability to speak through Apollo However later in the play Oedipus gouges out his own eyes after he believes that his vision has brought all of his misfortunes to him Oedipus states you won't see my agonies or my crimes but in endless darkness always there you ll see those I never should have seen 1641 1644
