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Theme Of Ignorance In Oedipus Rex

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If given the choice, is knowledge superior to the contentment of ignorance? In many cases, knowledge leads to sorrow and negative consequences; on the other hand, ignorance allows only for satisfied peace. Sophocles’s play, Oedipus Rex, addresses the idea of blissful ignorance as the preferred state of mind. Not only this, the play, through the trials of Teiresias and Jocasta, reflects upon how one’s naivety and inattention to the truth ensures a carefree and peaceful life. Teiresias, contrary to everyone else in his time, deeply feels the effects of knowledge and the sorrow it ultimately brings. Ironically, the blind prophet has the ability to see past the iron chains of ignorance that traps many of the Thebans; he states that “[he] will

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