Oedipus Rex

     "Reason lives in the mind, wisdom dwells in the heart." In Sopocles' ancient play Oedipus Rex; the intelligent yet misinformed main character Oedipus builds shadows from logic and confidently believes them to be rays of wisdom. With no knowledge of his true past or the identity of his real parents, Oedipus runs far from a prophecy in which it is told that he would slay his own father and wed his own mother. Though his intentions were to brake the prophecy, he comes to a complete surprise when a powerful prophet accuses Oedipus that the pollution of the city he is now king of, is in peril because of him.  Oedipus argues with the wise prophet confidently, without realizing that his reason is turning his tongue black, and ultimately leading to his blindness.
     From the beginning of the play, we can see Oedipus is a rational individual who seeks intelligence. His ability to figure out the riddle the Sphinx used to haunt the town is the first example of his sharp mind. Also certain thoughts he shares, such as "...but know that I have been weeping much and wandering many roads of the mind." (Sophocles 72) Oedipus is a man who takes pride in his intelligence, this is the Hubris that begins tainting the connection between his mind and heart. Perhaps Oedipus finds no use in wisdom, or maybe his position as a leader and king, makes rational thinking necessary. His ignorance coupled with his ego clog his ears and eyes to the reality that is playing out his unanswered questions, right in front of him without realizing. Oedipus thinks himself as a wise man, because he knows not the experience and patience that wisdom is made of, but only listens to the analytical ramble inside his head.
     The prophet Tiresias is the symbol of wisdom. An old man, physically blind yet spiritually translating the futures of many unlucky individuals. His notoriety amongst several other plays and also the talk of other characters makes it obvious that Tiresias is a man called upon time and time again. "I know that my lord Tiresias most always sees the same as my lord Apollo; from him one investigating this might learn the wisest things."( Sophocles 293) Even the Chorus speaks well of him, yet Oedipus decides to challenge his prophecy. We can see the clash between rationality and wisdom as Oedipus bellows with anger, and Tiresias speaks truth calmly, while trying to explain his misfortune. Even though Oedipus is in a pedestal and crowned, his ignorance swallows him completely at the end.