Was Blind but now i See - Chapter 22: Hes blind for a Reason You know

Foster refers to the story of Oedipus alot throughout the book, and the story of Oedipus is probably one with the most unsettling and ironic plots. Which again is something that has been pointed out throughout the book, references to these ancient pieces of literature. Foster talks about the usage of the blind man from the story and how there is a literary reason for him, a symbolic reason.
  When you look at things, disability is something that brings attention because it is something out of the ordinary, whether its blindness, or being deaf or physically impaired. I know that when i encounter someone with a difference like this it makes me curious about how they are able to do everything they do even though they are missing a part of them, or so it seems to us. It makes the person sort of mysterious, you cant make out the same things as instantly from someone who is blind than from someone who is not, theres always an extra step you have to take, to listen to them or tend to them. Which is something Foster talks about in the chapter, many of these blind characters attract the attention of others and have a sort of  mysterious strength in their vulnerability. Going back to the encounter of Oedipus with the blind seer, shows that perhaps our curiosity for someone with a differerence like this is something that has occupied people for a long time, enough to create certain symbolism and imagery around them. the blind seer is known to be wise and knowing of things to come even though he might not be able to see literally, this lack enables for further development of other powers. Not just in literature but people relate this in other areas as well, one thing that comes to my mind is the well known hymn Amazing Grace, how the person says they can now see that they are in the grace of a divine power, which is what we see with Oedipus, in a way he redeems himself and all his mistakes when he blinds himself but at the same time he gives himself the real freedom that he had always needed.