I cannot understand why Teiresias would keep the truth of Oedipus' parentage a secret from him. As far as I can see, there is little reason for it except for greed and maybe even spite. In lines 316-318, Teiresias says "Alas, how terrible is wisdom when it brings no profit to the man that's wise! This I knew well, but had forgotten it, else I would not have come here." Teiresias clearly states that he refuse to tell Oedipus what he knows because he has nothing to fiscally gain from telling him the truth. Yet he later on taunts him by asking if he knows his parents, egging on the argument, and now withholding the knowledge to spite Oedipus for his harsh comments. This prophet cares nothing for Oedipus, only himself and what he could gain from telling Oedipus the truth about his parents.
I commented on Ty Goram's post.
Perhaps he feared for own life at first, and wished to avoid conflict. When Oedipus continued to mock him, his temper flared and he lost that care for security. Still not wanting to die, he only touched on the basis of Oedipus' fateful story.
ReplyDeleteAlso, he could have feared the impact it would have on Oedipus to know the truth. When Oedipus finally figures out the whole truth at the end, it is more than he can handle.
ReplyDeleteIf I was Teiresias dealing with a megalomaniac king like Oedipus, I would be tempted to hide the truth, too. Kings had a habit of offing people who had news they didn't like to hear.
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