Teiresias and Fool...Both these characters play a significant role in the two different pieces of writing; respectively Oedipus Rex and King Lear. Teiresias, a blind prophet represents the insightfulness and the wisdom one should have. He physically blinded; not intellectually. The irony of sightedness and blindness is significant during the conversation between Oedipus and Teiresias. Oedipus, who is sighted, does not know the truth of his past but Teiresias does. He gets angry when Oedipus insults his blindness but just says that all those swear will heap upon Oedipus himself at the end. His words were true as Oedipus will blind himself at the end of the play. Eventually, it was because of Teiresias, Oedipus pursued to know the mystery of his identity and fate. Therefore, role of Teiresias in the play is very much significant though he appears only for once. Analysing this part of the play made me think of the real meaning of being sighted. Do we really ‘see’ about how things are around us? Do we look into our every single action and the consequences? Do we analyse if we do the right thing?
On the other hand, Fool is also another aspect of irony for the name he represents with what is he actually. He symbolises the inner conscience of Lear. He often provides the basic wisdom and stands up for the King in times of need. He was very much aware of the sense of right and wrong as he tells the King that he has done wrong by giving his throne and everything he had to his evil daughters. Obviously, his name is an irony for what he represents. He also signifies the amusement for Lear as he tries to help Lear feel better in times of distress.
Is life always an IRONY???
That is what we call life. We can call King Lear stupid, foolish and whatever we want because we know how his life end. But what about our life? Do we want to be like Lear. Do you want it to be irony? It is you that have to decide not me, not my grandmother and not yours. =)
ReplyDeleteAfter all, life must go on...btol x?