Plato describes a person who attempts entering full sight, or in Oedipus’ case, full self-knowledge, from deep darkness. The language Plato selects - “painful [and] ache” - emphasizes how strenuous bridging the chasm between ignorance and self-knowledge is (Plato 229). His endeavor to close the gap is admirable simply because his lack of knowledge is vast and therefore difficult to overcome.

 

      Nevertheless, Oedipus deliberately chooses to uncover the truth, the harder path, even though he could have remained in ignorance. Oedipus continues his “ascent” to self-discovery that is “worth no one’s while even to attempt” (Plato 231). Even when Oedipus realizes that “there is no escape” from being accused, he continues down a painful and condemning avenue (Sophocles 49). Oedipus demonstrates his admirability by persisting in the truth even though it is agonizing, which transforms his actions into ones of nobility.

 

      Conversely, Jocasta demonstrates how bliss of ignorance is shameful compared to self-knowledge because it is an option chosen by cowards who are unwilling to face the consequences of their actions. Jocasta does not want to believe in the possibility of new information because then she will be held accountable. Uncovering past untruths might reveal her part in the tragic tale. When Oedipus suggests that the shepherd could reverse his previous statement “that robbers killed” Laius, Jocasta protests that “[the shepherd] cannot go back on it now” (Sophocles 49). She stubbornly clings to the truth she knows because it is the truth she wants to hear. Jocasta is not motivated to uncover the ultimate truth of the situation because she lacks principle and righteousness. Her lack of these virtues reflects the greater attitude of chosen ignorance: a base way to address troubles and handle misfortune. Considering this fuller understanding of chosen obliviousness, it is easier to grasp the superiority of seeking self-knowledge, which avoids cowardice and tackles difficulties courageously.

 

      Similarly, Jocasta deliberately flees from the truth for the sake of ease; truth requires accountability, which requires effort. Repeatedly, she takes the easy way out. Oedipus’ wife begs him “to think no more of” the manifesting problems, to which she turns a blind eye (Sophocles 52). She is fearful to face issues and further attempts to avoid them by convincing Oedipus not to address them either. Additionally, in desperation, Jocasta turns to fate for some explanation. She hopes that “chance rules our lives, and the future is all unknown” because then she has no role to play in the downfall of her husband, her city, and her son (Sophocles 52). Even in the end, Jocasta denies herself the option of self-knowledge as she instructs Oedipus to “forget what [the messenger] has told you…it makes no difference” (Sophocles 55). Jocasta’s choice to be ignorant stenches of cowardice. It is easier to remain blind to the crimes she has committed than to face the consequences. Understanding the root of choosing ignorance – fear of consequences and accountability – demonstrates how ignorance should be avoided; rather, seeking self-knowledge should be embraced in all its hardship.

 

      The tragedies of pursuing self-knowledge are significantly more burdensome, sacrificial, and thereby respectable than those of ignorance because they provide no release. Even Jocasta’s death testifies to her pusillanimity. Her “own hand” was the cause of her death (Sophocles 60). Once again, instead of facing her fate, Jocasta cowers. She does not have to deal with the calamity left in her wake by committing suicide. The method in which she handles the situation is not sacrificial in the least bit; she finds the release she desires.

 

      Contrarily, even after tragedy strikes Oedipus, he finds no release. He cannot bear death because then he must face his parents; he cannot bear sight because then he must witness his children conceived from incest. The “depth of [Oedipus’] fall” is too great to comprehend (Versenyi 21). The tragedies he faces due to his pursuit of self-knowledge transform his obsession into a dignified offering. His efforts are justified because he attempts reconciliation through understanding his past and he sacrifices everything.

 

      Fundamentally, attempting to attain self-knowledge requires more than blind ignorance. Discovering oneself means digging into the past, healing from mistakes and wounds, and sacrificing current pleasures that are built on lies. Herein lies the barrier that does not exist in ignorance, which is merely passive. In the despair and tragedy self-knowledge requires, is redemption; but at what cost? Jocasta was unwilling to discover the past and herself, so she dies a coward. Oedipus, wrought with faults and failures, redeems himself through his worthy endeavor to make amends.

 

      Ultimately, Oedipus “forcing his way toward self-knowledge” allows him to discover many ugly truths (Zachrisson 314). However, once he begins the process of discovery, he never shies away from those challenging revelations. Oedipus demonstrates persistence through the pain of reaching the light after a period of blindness. Through Jocasta’s account of blissful ignorance, she exposes how the pursuit of self-knowledge is far more worthy than her cowardly ways. By contrasting Oedipus and Jocasta’s tragic endings, the tragedies of a character who seeks self-knowledge are significantly more devastating and sacrificial than those of an ignorant character. Pursuing self-knowledge is a daunting and strenuous task but is more virtuous and noble than ignoring pressing matters because of what one must overcome.

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Essay for college literature course