Wonderful, Rachel. Thanks for the additional insights and the great poem, “Lovers.” The reason why the quoted passage interests me is because of the space of authority it creates. Teiresias speaks from a place between worlds, which Oidipous recognizes – that’s why he comes to the seer. But where Oidipous goes wrong is in his failing to take what he hears there, while standing in between worlds, as a sign. The point is that all oracular practice and literature insists on the connection between space (between worlds), intent (to get help) and signs (to recognize as communicating a direct and unmediated message). The problem with Oidipous – that we can all learn from – is that he confounds the levels: he goes to the seer for a magical solution but expects a reasonable revelation. The point is also the you never ever argue with the prophet, as prophets are not in the business of reason.
Tyrant Oidipous 
Wonderful, Rachel. Thanks for the additional insights and the great poem, “Lovers.” The reason why the quoted passage interests me is because of the space of authority it creates. Teiresias speaks from a place between worlds, which Oidipous recognizes – that’s why he comes to the seer. But where Oidipous goes wrong is in his failing to take what he hears there, while standing in between worlds, as a sign. The point is that all oracular practice and literature insists on the connection between space (between worlds), intent (to get help) and signs (to recognize as communicating a direct and unmediated message). The problem with Oidipous – that we can all learn from – is that he confounds the levels: he goes to the seer for a magical solution but expects a reasonable revelation. The point is also the you never ever argue with the prophet, as prophets are not in the business of reason.