Response Assignment #3:
Due: March 8th
Begin tracing the images of vision and blindness throughout the play, “Oedipus the King,” and discuss, in essay form, and in no less than two pages, how these images begin to illuminate and/or reflect the overall theme. Pay close attention to any references to sight, eyes or blindness, as vision is an important metaphor in this play. Below are some questions that will help guide you through this assignment. If you are having difficulty with the reading and/or assignment, I don't mind you seeking outside sources, as long as you don't use them instead of reading, AND you must use your own words to explain your interpretations (not those of others).
• How are images of vision used in the play? What do these images represent? Give examples. For instance, if a character talks about being able to see, or uses a word to describe sight, in what context is that character speaking? What is happening at that moment? And then think about how this image (of seeing or sight) is then being used. Is it being used to describe knowledge? Literally? (that someone can actually see?) Illumination on a certain subject? In some spiritual context? Then think about all the images of vision you've gathered thus far and see if you can determine a pattern being used for these images of vision and how they are being used.
• How are images of blindess or being unable to see used in this play, and what do these images tend to represent? Give examples. For instance, if a character talks about being blind, or uses a word to describe the inability to see, in what context is that character speaking? What is happening at that moment? And then think about how this image (of not being able to see or being blind) is then being used. Is it a literal reference to blindness? (that someone can actually not see?) Or is it a metaphorical or symbolic reference that means something else, like the way we often describe "being left in the dark"? Think about all the images of blindness you've gathered thus far and see if you can determine a pattern being used for these images of blindess or lack of vision and how they are being used.
• How is Oedipus first rendered blind (metaphorically speaking)? What event or comment leads to Oedipus' first inability to "see"? And what is it that he fails to "see"? Why?
• In what way is Oedipus represented as "visionary"? In what ways are Oedipus represented as being or becoming "blind"? Give textual examples! • What about Teresias, the blind prophet? In what ways are images of vision and/or blindness associated with this character? If you have any questions, email me.
** Again, always, always back up your thoughts with some example, quote, or explanation (textual evidence!). |
