Why does Teiresias at first refused to tell Oedipus the truth?

Why does Teiresias at first refused to tell Oedipus the truth?

Why does Teiresias at first refuse to tell Oedipus the truth? He knew that the truth would destroy Oedipus. Oedipus believes that Creon is behind Teiresias’ claims. This is because Creon is his brother in law and would have a right to the throne.

Why does Tiresias refuse to speak?

Frustrated by what he views as Tiresias’s insubordination, Oedipus lashes out at the old prophet. He accuses Tiresias of plotting and participating in the killing of Laius. So, when Tiresias refuses to speak, Oedipus is furious. His reaction is characteristic of his exaggerated sense of self-importance.

When Teiresias says he will not reveal what he knows what does Oedipus accuse him of?

Puzzled at first, then angry, Oedipus insists that Tiresias tell Thebes what he knows. Provoked by the anger and insults of Oedipus, Tiresias begins to hint at his knowledge. Finally, when Oedipus furiously accuses Tiresias of the murder, Tiresias tells Oedipus that Oedipus himself is the curse.

Why does Teiresias not want to tell Oedipus the information Oedipus is asking him for?

Teiresias seems to hesitate to tell Oedipus the truth about his real identity because the prophet knows that it will only bring pain and upset to the king and his family. He says, Alas, alas, what misery to be wiseWhen wisdom profits nothing!

Why is Teiresias so hesitant to speak the truth?

Expert Answers Teiresias seems to hesitate to tell Oedipus the truth about his real identity because the prophet knows that it will only bring pain and upset to the king and his family.

Who else does Oedipus feel against him?

Oedipus feels Creon is against him because Creon would be king if Oedipus were gone. In the speech on page 182, find four examples of Hubris.

What is Creon’s defense against the accusations against him?

What is Creon’s defense against the accusations against him? He claims that Laius’s body was never returned to Thebes, so he could not have given Laius a proper burial. He says that he would never do anything to cause his sister, Jocasta, any pain.

What does the Choragos mean when he says to Oedipus you suffer it all twice over?

What does the Choragos mean when he says to Oedipus, “You suffer it all twice over”? He suffers the pain of the truth and the physical pain of his gouged eyes. Oedipus tells Teiresias that he alone saved Thebes from the Sphinx.

What is the final punishment for Oedipus?

At the end of Sophocles’ Oedipus Rex, the protagonist Oedipus has gouged out his own eyes and is sent into exile. His wife (and —spoiler alert—his mother) is dead, having hung herself.