How does Sophocles use the theme of sight and blindness to develop his story?

Sophocles uses the theme of sight and blindness to develop the plot of the story in several ways. For example, Oedipus and Tiresias represent the use of metaphorical and physical aspects of this theme throughout the story. Oedipus, who recently became king of Thebes, is blind to the truth of his identity and fate, while Tiresias, the physically blind prophet, is the first person to see and warn Oedipus of his identity and fate. One of the main reasons Sophocles used sight and blindness is to show the difference between Oedipus’s blindness to the truth and his physical blindness. An example of this is when Tiresias tells Oedipus that he is the reason for Thebes’s downfall, and Oedipus responds by saying, "I see light, but I am still in the dark" (Page #). This quote shows that, although Oedipus can see, he is still blind to the truth of his identity by ignoring Tiresias’s words. Another way Sophocles' play uses this theme is to show the contrast between Tiresias’s physical blindness and his ability to see the truth. Tiresias might be blind physically, but that did not stop him from seeing Oedipus’s fate, which is about to come true. For example, when Oedipus asks Tiresias to disclose the truth about the killing of King Laius and the plague, Tiresias says, "You are the one you are seeking, the one who killed the king" (Page#). Through this quote, Tiresias' ability to see the truth about Oedipus’ identity without his sense of sight is showed. Finally, sight and blindness are also used in King Oedipus to express the power of fate. Throughout the play, Oedipus is blind to the truth of his identity but is forced to accept it and face the consequences of his actions. Oedipus' curiosity is not the only thing that draws him to the truth; it is the force of fate. The only way Oedipus could overcome his destiny was by accepting the truth. For instance, after Oedipus finally accepts that he is the cause of the plague in Thebes, he says, "I see it all, I know it all" (Page#). This quote is an example of Oedipus eventually accepting his fate and being able to see the truth of his identity. In conclusion, Sophocles cleverly uses the themes of sight and blindness to develop the story and teach valuable lessons in King Oedipus. Through Tiresias and Oedipus, Sophocles highlights the idea that true sight is not just physical, but also spiritual and intellectual. The author of this play also shows the power of fate and how blindness and sight played a role in helping Oedipus’ fate catch up with him.