Symbols are objects, characters,
figures, and colors used to
represent abstract ideas and
concepts.
References to sight and the lack of sight are frequent
in the play.
To modern thinkers and Ancient Greeks alike, the
image of clear vision is used as a metaphor for
knowledge and insight (for example: “I see the truth”
or “I see the way things are.)
However, the reference to eyesight in Oedipus Rex is
ironic.
In the beginning of the play, Oedipus is famed for
clear-sightedness and quick comprehension, but
he discovers that he has been blind to the
truth for many years.
Finally, he blinds himself so he doesn’t
have to look on his own children/siblings.
In Greek, the word oedipus literally means “swollen
foot.”
He gets his name from the fact that he was left in the
mountains with his ankles pinned together, which left
Oedipus with a vivid scar for the rest of his life.
The injury symbolizes the way in which fate has
marked him and set him apart from the rest.
It also symbolizes the way his
movements have been confined
and constrained since birth by
Apollo’s prophecy.
Oedipus kills Laius at a crossroads.
A crossroads symbolizes a crucial moment in
life (in and out of this play.)
This is the moment when Oedipus begins to
fulfill the prophecy. Oedipus was not aware at
the time that he was making a fateful decision.
In the play, the crossroads
symbolizes fate and the power
of prophecy rather than
freedom of choice.