Oedipus blinds himself as a form of punishment and an escape from the painful reality he has discovered. Throughout the story, he is determined to uncover the truth about his origins and the prophecy that foretold he would kill his father and marry his mother. When he finally learns that he has fulfilled this tragic prophecy, the overwhelming guilt and horror lead him to take the drastic step of blinding himself.
This act of self-inflicted blindness is deeply symbolic. It represents his inability to face the truth and the suffering it brings. Throughout the play, Oedipus had relied on his physical sight to seek out the truth, only to find that it led him to his own ruin. By blinding himself, he physically manifests his internal shame and recognition that he has brought about his own downfall. It’s a poignant moment that underscores themes of knowledge, ignorance, and the human condition.