Have you ever been placed in a situation where you had to make the choice to “tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth”, or tell a “little white lie” to keep you or someone you know from getting hurt? We’ve all heard the phrase, “what they don’t know won’t hurt them” but truth will often come to light one way or another and when it does it can be a devastating blow. Yet still there are times we wonder if it would be better to say nothing at all. What influences our decision to tell the truth or to lie? Fear is often a factor in our decision; fear of rejection, disappointment, and punishment… Why is it that sometimes not telling the truth seems like the right thing to do but we get upset when we find someone has been dishonest with us? Why is it so important to us that people are honest and truthful with us? In some cases, do we really want to know the truth? Throughout the story of Oedipus the King there seems to be conflicting desires when it comes to telling the truth.
Sometimes not telling the truth seems like the right thing to do because the truth would have a negative impact on someone’s life. An example of this is when Oedipus called for the prophet Teiresias to come tell them who killed King Laius. Teriesias said, “How terrible is wisdom when it brings no profit to the man that’s wise! This I knew well, but had forgotten it, else I would not have come here… Let me go home. It will be easiest for us both to bear our several destinies to the end if you will follow my advice.” (Pg.626) Teriesias was a prophet; with that title you would expect him to be an honest man. Yet he didn’t want to tell Oedipus the truth because it would cause problems for Oedipus and his family. I don’t feel fear was a real concern in his decision, more that he wanted to protect Oedipus from the truth.
It’s important that people are honest with us because it leads to trust and friendship. Oedipus was concerned about the things that Teriesias had said and went to Jocasta because he trusted her. He asked her questions about how her late husband died. She was concerned about him so she said, “I will. I’m frightened, --but if I can understand, I’ll tell you all you ask.” (Pg.638)
A messenger came from the land of Corinth, to bring news of King Polybus’ death and that the people of Corinth want Oedipus to be their King. The news of the King’s death made Oedipus and Jocasta happy because that meant Oedipus didn’t kill his father, and fate had been changed, so they thought. The messenger puzzled by their reaction ask questions and discovered Oedipus had never learned who he really was. The messenger didn’t hesitate to tell Oedipus the truth about where he came from and he shows no concern for how that truth will affect those involved. A herdsman is brought in to confirm the story but he doesn’t want to answer them for fear of what might happen to him if he did. Truth had to be pulled out from him. He said, “O please, Sir. Don’t hurt an old man, sir.” Oedipus replied, “Here, one of you, twist his hands behind him.” When asked if he gave the baby he said, “I did. I wish I’d died the day I did.” Oedipus said, “You will unless you tell me truly.” He replied, “And I’ll die far worse if I should tell you.” (Pg.647) Jocasta put the pieces together a lot quicker than Oedipus and she begged him not to pursue the matter further. Oedipus said, “I will not be persuaded to let be the chance of finding out the whole thing clearly.” Jocasta replied, “It is because I wish you well that I give you this counsel—and it’s the best counsel.” (Pg.645) He doesn’t listen and her fears overcome her and she leaves before Oedipus can hear who his real parents are. We see again in these examples how fear is a huge factor in whether truth is spoken and also why it’s spoken. (WORDS: 718)
