Symbolism Of Light And Dark example essay topic

402 words
Two types of symbolism in Oedipus Rex are the shades or colors of light and dark, and the comparison of being blind and able to see. This symbolism makes the reader more aware of the characters personality, and helps set the setting, or mood, of the scene. A strong type of symbolism is the reference to light and dark. This type of symbolism is present throughout Oedipus Rex. The author uses this symbolism to set the moods of scenes, or characters.

The shade or color of darkness is used primarily to symbolize bad, evil, or death. An example of this is, "All emptied, and all darkened: Death alone Battens upon the misery of Thebes". This line is effectively used to control the mood expressed. The reference to darkness gives the theme a gloomy, evil, and disastrous feeling. But, with the reference to darkness there is also going to be a reference to light. Light is a strong form of symbolism.

Light portrays good, generosity, and happiness. The reference to light is usually used to describe something good. For example, "O lord Apollo! May his news be fair as his face is radiant!" In this particular example the reference to light (radiant) is used to symbolize good.

With the reference of light in this line there are no signs of evil, or darkness. The reader can imply that Apollo looks good and has good news to share with them. The comparison between being able to see, and being blind, is present throughout Oedipus Rex. This type of symbolism is primarily used to prove a point. For example, "But I say that you, with both your eyes, are blind: You cannot see the wretchedness of your life... ".

This use of symbolism shows that you do not have to be physically capable of seeing, to be able to see the reality or meaning of something. This is also used to tell someone that they are missing the main idea or focus. They are usually not looking too deeply into something. Throughout Oedipus Rex symbolism plays an important role in the development of the characters and the story. The symbolism of light and dark, and also the comparison of being blind and able to see, are evident throughout the story.