Question
In Oedipus the King, Part I, Oedipus asks Teiresias for guidance and help in finding the murderer of Laius. Teiresias replies “Alas! It is a miserable thing to be wise when wisdom brings no reward.” Which best explains Teiresias’ meaning?
A. He believes that identifying the murderer will only make matters worse for everyone.
B. He does not want to reveal the murderer's name unless he is promised a handsome payment.
C. He hopes to conceal the loss of his wisdom by refusing to tell Oedipus who the murderer is.
D. He no longer remembers the name of the murderer but does not want to lose a reward by admitting it.
A. He believes that identifying the murderer will only make matters worse for everyone.
B. He does not want to reveal the murderer's name unless he is promised a handsome payment.
C. He hopes to conceal the loss of his wisdom by refusing to tell Oedipus who the murderer is.
D. He no longer remembers the name of the murderer but does not want to lose a reward by admitting it.
Answers
GPT-4o mini
The best explanation of Teiresias' meaning in that line is:
**A. He believes that identifying the murderer will only make matters worse for everyone.**
Teiresias is expressing the idea that knowledge can sometimes lead to suffering or negative consequences, and in the context of the play, revealing the truth about the murder could lead to tragic outcomes for Oedipus and others involved. His wisdom comes with the burden of awareness, and he understands that the truth may not be beneficial.
**A. He believes that identifying the murderer will only make matters worse for everyone.**
Teiresias is expressing the idea that knowledge can sometimes lead to suffering or negative consequences, and in the context of the play, revealing the truth about the murder could lead to tragic outcomes for Oedipus and others involved. His wisdom comes with the burden of awareness, and he understands that the truth may not be beneficial.