How does Oedipus view his blindness as a punishment?

Oedipus perceives his blindness as a just punishment for the tragic errors he has made throughout his life, particularly for the offenses of killing his father and marrying his mother, thereby fulfilling the prophecy he sought to avoid. His transformation from a proud and confident king to a blinded outcast underscores the themes of fate, free will, and the consequences of one’s actions. In his eyes, his physical blindness serves as a fitting consequence for his metaphorical blindness to the truth about his origins and the horrific acts he committed. This realization signifies his acceptance of the punishment handed down by the gods for his hubris and failure to heed warnings. This understanding not only adds depth to his character but also aligns with the moral fabric of the play, where the protagonist's downfall stems from his inability to see the truth until it is too late.