Oedipus at Colonus

In the Prologue, when Oedipus and Antigone are in the grove of the Eumenides, Antigone recognizes that they are in a sacred space because of the “olives, laurel trees, and vines with crows” (Line 17). Explore the significance of each of these forms of vegetation and their relationship to the city of Athens.

What is the significance of Oedipus seeking sanctuary in the grove of the Eumenides? What do they represent, and how is it connected to the power of heroes?

At the beginning of the play, Oedipus remarks that his “words will have unerring sight” (Line 74). What is the significance of blindness in the story of Oedipus and within the world of Greek mythology? In your discussion, connect his blindness at the beginning of the play to the recovery of his sight at the end.