First, Teiresias alludes to the fact that Oedipus' relationship with Jocasta is a "sinful union" (Sophocles 36). Oedipus is unable to make the connection between what Teiresias says and his own prophecy. Oedipus does not want to recognize that he has committed a sin and avoids learning the truth by ignoring his true parentage. On top of that, when Teiresias bluntly tells Oedipus that “the killer [he is looking for] is [himself]” (Sophocles 36). Oedipus refuses to believe this and accuses Teiresias of lying and plotting against him. Oedipus, as a known intelligent character, should have listened to Tiresias, who is known to be a wise man; instead, Oedipus places the blame on Tiresias. Teiresias then goes on to foreshadow that the “taunts” (Sophocles 36) that Oedipus throws at him “will one day be thrown at [him]” (Sophocles 36). Oedipus does not take Tiresias' warning seriously, but continues to insult Tiresias. Oedipus' inability to face the truth will lead to him being banished and blinded by his ignorance. Similarly, Jocasta attempts to prevent Oedipus from acquiring knowledge by explaining that “it makes no difference now” (Sophocles 55) and to “[o]gett” (Sophocles 55) what was told to him. Jocasta not only tries to stop Oedipus from learning the truth, but she also tries to stop herself from verifying the truth, which later results in her unfortunate suicide. Additionally, Jocasta's ignorance and inability to discover Oedipus' true past drives her to commit incest, a major sin. Jocasta and Oedipus committing this sin then results in Thebes being punished by God. Showing this, ignorance leads to