The Downfall of the Hero, Oedipus Rex

The Greek tragedy, Oedipus Tyrannus by Sophocles is an excellent play; however, experts have debated many issues about this play for many years now. For example, some cannot even agree on the title of this play. There are many debated titles which include: Oedipus Rex, Oedipus Tyrannus, Oedipus, and Oedipus the King. However, there is little debate on the role that blindness plays in this ancient tragedy. Blindness is the downfall of the hero, Oedipus. …

…He saw the truth about Oedipus before Oedipus did himself. Also, ironically, it is not until Oedipus becomes physically blind that he is able to first completely see the truth. Once his truth is accepted he has nothing and is forces to step down into nothingness, therefore proving what his people said, "You would have been better dead than alive and blind," because he will now live a life of suffering due to his blindness.