Oedipus chooses to gouge out his eyes instead of taking his own life because this act of self-blinding serves as a deeply profound and symbolic punishment that directly aligns with the horrifying truths he has uncovered about his identity and actions. It is a deliberate, living consequence that reflects his journey from ignorance to devastating knowledge.
The Profound Reasons for Self-Blinding
Oedipus's decision is not merely an act of despair but a complex response driven by several key factors:
- Escape from Unbearable Sights: The immediate impulse is to escape the physical sight of the horrific reality he now faces. Having discovered he murdered his father and married his mother, Oedipus cannot bear to look upon the world, his children (who are also his siblings), or the faces of the Theban people, knowing the incest and parricide he has committed. He wants to escape "the horrors he has committed."
- Symbolism of Sight and Ignorance: Oedipus's eyes symbolize his former ignorance. While he possessed physical sight, he was metaphorically blind to the truth of his origins and destiny. His physical blindness, achieved by gouging out his eyes with Jocasta's pins, signifies his terrible new knowledge. This act demonstrates his understanding of the truth, even mirroring the insight of the blind prophet Tiresias, who possessed true foresight while physically blind. Oedipus's eyes symbolized ignorance when he could see, and now, in their destruction, they represent the painful clarity of his newfound knowledge.
- A Punishment Befitting the Crime: Unlike hanging, which would end his suffering through death, blinding himself forces Oedipus to live with the perpetual consequences of his actions in a state of self-inflicted darkness. It is a more severe and lasting punishment that keeps him alive to fully experience the ramifications of his moral blindness and the shattering revelation of his true identity. This choice emphasizes that his suffering should match the profound nature of his sins.
The Act's Significance
The act of self-blinding is a powerful statement of self-judgment and a permanent marker of his guilt. It transforms his external reality to match his internal despair, forcing him to experience a life devoid of light, much as his moral world has been plunged into darkness. By choosing this fate, Oedipus ensures his punishment is not merely an escape but a living testament to his tragic downfall.
