Oedipus Wisdom
Misery Comes With Wisdom: a persuasive essay Wisdom is so often thought as a gift that many people overlook how it can also be a curse. Teiresias, a character in Oedipus Rex by Sophocles, is an Oracle that is miserable with the wisdom he holds. Oedipus, the king of Thebes, solves the riddle of the Sphinx to obtain the throne. Now the king is trying to find out who is responsible for the plague. However, Teiresias knows that Oedipus is searching for himself. Teiresias believes that his wisdom does not profit him because he is miserable; I agree with this because I can relate this to my life.
Teiresias’ quote is explained by him living the life of an Oracle and being burdened by wisdom. He states that “[w]hat misery to be wise, when wisdom profits nothing”(lines 21-22). Teiresias possesses so much wisdom, but in the end, he does not enjoy giving other people hard news. This is important because it portrays how one can be blessed with more knowledge than others, but at the same time cursed by it. Another example is when he must give information to people even though they may be better off not knowing; for this reason, it is hard to deliver the news. This is significant because it makes Teiresias’ obligation of being an Oracle hard to fulfill. In his statement, Teiresias feels …show more content…
For instance, Teiresias says, “And give the rein to all thy pent-up rage” (line 49). When Teiresias finally decides to tell Oedipus his secret, Oedipus reacts badly and does not understand what he is being told. Oedipus is very angry and wrongfully blames his brother-in-law. Also, Teiresias says, “May I say more to aggravate thy rage” (line 72). This conveys how people can behave badly even when they ask to be told something. Teiresias’ belief concerning wisdom is related to the fact that wisdom can bring unhappiness on the people receiving it, and people can be better off without
Teiresias’ quote is explained by him living the life of an Oracle and being burdened by wisdom. He states that “[w]hat misery to be wise, when wisdom profits nothing”(lines 21-22). Teiresias possesses so much wisdom, but in the end, he does not enjoy giving other people hard news. This is important because it portrays how one can be blessed with more knowledge than others, but at the same time cursed by it. Another example is when he must give information to people even though they may be better off not knowing; for this reason, it is hard to deliver the news. This is significant because it makes Teiresias’ obligation of being an Oracle hard to fulfill. In his statement, Teiresias feels …show more content…
For instance, Teiresias says, “And give the rein to all thy pent-up rage” (line 49). When Teiresias finally decides to tell Oedipus his secret, Oedipus reacts badly and does not understand what he is being told. Oedipus is very angry and wrongfully blames his brother-in-law. Also, Teiresias says, “May I say more to aggravate thy rage” (line 72). This conveys how people can behave badly even when they ask to be told something. Teiresias’ belief concerning wisdom is related to the fact that wisdom can bring unhappiness on the people receiving it, and people can be better off without