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Knowledge of the shocking truth is what makes Teiresias the blind prophet refuse to help Theban King Oedipus. Teiresias is asked to identify the killer or killers of Theban King Laius.

Oedipus promises to punish the culprit or culprits with death or exile. He clearly values his reputation, his life, his job, and his family. And yet he'll lose all of that if Teiresias helps Oedipus. The reason lies in Oedipus being the very person whom he himself seeks. Albeit unknowingly, Oedipus is the killer of Laius, his father and his king. With the revelation of that crime will come that of another. Oedipus is married to his own mother, Theban Queen Jocasta.

The realization of the indecent truth behind the apparent royal marital bliss is something that Oedipus won't accept lightly. He has a quick temper, and speaks before he thinks. Teiresias knows his monarch very well, and therefore is reluctant to be the bearer of such news.

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Q: Why does Tiresias refuse to help Oedipus?
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Why does Tiresias refuse to tell Oedipus the truth at first?

Because the truth will bring nothing but pain.


What is Oedipus' reaction to Tiresias' prophecy?

Oedipus is outraged at Tiresias' prophecy. He thinks Tiresias is lying to him and was "put up" to telling him that by Creon. Oedipus is so furious with Tiresias, that in the process he pushes Tiresias into making another prophecy (more of a premonition) that Oedipus will be blind.


Why does Oedipus doubt what Teiresias tells him about the identity of Laius' murderer?

He does not know that the person he killed on the road from Corinth was Laius.


What angry accusation does Oedipus make?

When Oedipus asks the blind prophet Tiresias who killed the previous king Laius, Tiresias states that he knows but wishes he didn't. Oedipus furiously accuses Tiresias of the murder of (Oedipus'own father), Laius - whom, of course Oedipus actually killed unknowingly.


Who tells Oedipus he is laius's murderer?

Tiresias tells Oedipus he is the murderer of Laius.


Who does Oedipus accuse of killing Laius?

The blind prophet Tiresias who is called by Oedipus to reveal who killed King Laius. When he is hesitant to do so however as the killer is Oedipus, Oedipus jumpsto conclusions assuming that it is he Tiresias who murdered Laius.


Who was the blind prophet in Oedipus?

The blind prophet in Oedipus was Tiresias. Oedipus summons him for help to answer his questions; however Tiresias refuses to speak. Instead he tells Oedipus to forget his search for the murderer of their former King, Laius.


How does Oedipus react when he sees Creon for the first time since his conversation with Tiresias?

Oedipus accuses Creon of bribing Tiresias in an effort to take the crown.


How does Oedipus react when Teiresias tells him the truth?

Oedipus doesn't believe Tiresias, even when Tiresias spells the truth out to him; he calls him a liar and claims that he is in league with Creon for the throne.


What is Tiresias blind?

Tiresias had many prophecies, including the prophecy that Oedipus would kill his father and marry his mother.


How does Oedipus draw out the knowledge of Tiresias?

He finds that Tiresias is saying that he is the murderer of Lauis and has a deeper darer past that he will find out about.


Who does Tiresias say murdered Laius?

The son of Laius, Oedipus.