Provide a brief account of the encounter between Oedipus and Teiresias

“Oedipus Rex” by Sophocles is a wonderful piece of creative art in the history of tragedy. In the very play, the encounter between Oedipus and Tiresias plays a very significant role in developing the action of the play.

In "King Oedipus", Tiresias is the great blind prophet of Thebes. He has played a very significant role in it. He helps produce various important dramatic effects. He contributes to the tragic irony to a great extent. As suggested by the Chorus and Creon, Oedipus sends for Teiresias to detect the killer of Laius.

Teiresias comes in led by a boy. Oedipus greets him courteously and praises him highly. He seeks help to rescue the city of Thebes from the troublesome curse. Teiresias tries to avoid the question of the murderer of Laius. Teiresias keeps saying that it will be better for the king to be ignorant. But Oedipus accuses the prophet of withholding information in order to destroy Thebes. Under the lash of Oedipus' tongue, Teiresias is goaded into saying that Oedipus himself was the slayer of Laius.

Oedipus refuses to believe the real state of affairs which is suddenly disclosed. He rushes immediately to the conclusion that Creon and Teiresias are plotting to overthrow him with the object of making Creon king. The quarrel between Teiresias and Oedipus waxes hot. Each word uttered by Teiresias is pregnant with terrific revelation. The old man tells the king that Creon is not a plague to him.

Rather, he is his own plague. Teiresias again says that Oedipus has his eyes but cannot see the misery he is in. He does not understand where he is living and with whom. Teiresias predicts that the curse of the parents of Oedipus will drive him from Thebes. Teiresias predicts that this day will reveal his birth and bring about his destruction. His encounter with Oedipus serves to display the choleric temper of Oedipus.

It forms the main trait of his character. It discloses his hubris or tragic flaw. It leads Oedipus to his tragic doom too. This scene is a turning point for Oedipus and his search.