T
Iresias – The son of Shepherd Everes and the nymph Chariclo
His role within Antigone is to serve as the voice of the gods, voice of reason
and warning. He foretells what is to come.
Foreshadowing
Tiresias foreshadows what is to come.
1195 “ And so the avengers, the dark destroyers late but true to
the mark, now lie in wait for you, the Furies sent by the gods and
the god of death to strike you down with the pains that you
perfected!”
He is talking about the fact that the public decision of Antigone,
and now he must pay for what he has done.
1185 “… before you have surrendered one born of your own loins,
your own flesh and blood, a corpse for corpse given in return”
Here he is foreshadowing the death of Haemon, which later occurred after the death of
Antigone.
1100 “Then reflect, my son: you are poised/ once more on the razor-edge of fate.”
Tiresias states how Creon must make a life threatening decision.
Fearless – He serves the gods and Thebes, not the king
The whole fact that he talks back to Creon shows how he is not afraid of the
king, and rather, is of a higher status.
Tiresias is fully aware of his position and status in not only the eyes of ordinary
citizens of Thebes, but also in the eyes of the king. Tiresias is a blind prophet who has
always been correct in predicting the future and by predicting accurately every time, he
has helped the city numerous times in the past. By doing so, it shows that Tiresias has
higher status than Creon himself as even Creon must seriously consider every word of
Tiresias has to say. Tiresias is not afraid of saying the truth, even if it means insulting
Creon. Simply being aware of his status, Tiresias knows that he doesn’t need to fear
Creon.
1173 CREON this slander of yours – are you aware you are speaking to the king?
TIRESIAS well aware, who helped you save the city
1167 “you are the one who’s sick Creon, sick to death”
Initially, Creon shows great respect and obedience towards Tiresias, but when
Creon insults Tiresias and rejects his words, Tiresias isn’t surprised, but at the same
time, he doesn’t back down either. This shows Tiresias’ intentions are to help Thebes
on a bigger scale and prevent the wrath of gods from affecting all the innocent simply
because of Creon’s cruel decisions.
Direct and to the point
Tiresias openly tells Creon that he is bringing misfortune for the city of Thebes himself
rather than all the other suspects (e.g. Antigone).
Eminem “Not
Afraid” Chorus
I'm not afraid to
take a stand
Tiresias is not
scared of Creon; he
knows that he is
above him.
Everybody come
take my hand
We'll walk this road
together, through
the storm
Implies Tiresias is
interested in
sincerely helping
out Creon.
Whatever weather,
cold or warm
Just let you know
that, you're not
alone
Tries to reassure
Creon that he can
help him.
Holla if you feel that
you've been down
the same road
Old, experienced – served 7 generation of kings of Thebes
His immortality represents his eternal knowledge and wisdom.
1211 “So he can bent his rage on younger men”
This shows how he himself does not feel that he is old.
1094 “I will teach you, and you obey the seer”
Even Creon acknowledges Tiresias’ authority; he represents people’s faith in the divine laws.
Sensitive
“Chariot of the sun” – Apollo
“You have already, calling my prophecies a lie”
(1169)
He became sarcastic as Creon continues to
ignore his warning.
He was a prophet of Apollo (see <Mythographic
compendium Bibliothek>).
Irony ~ a blind prophet
Tiresias is blind, but he can see the future. It is ironic how a blind person is clearer than any others.
1122 “He is my guide, as I am guide to others”.
Here he is referring to how even though he is blind, he has guided Thebes, and people of Thebes with
his prophecies.
Imagery – Birds
The element bird (line 1106 to 1107) is an imagery and symbolism. Take note that Tiresias’ imagery of
birds in his prophecies corresponds to the theme of birds throughout the entire play.
1107 “…Talons flashing, ripping, they were killing each other – that much I knew – the murderous
fury whirring in those wings made that much clear!”
The terrifying image of the birds killing each other foreshadows the fate of Creon’s family. Tiresias’
usage of the bird imagery here is referring to the will of the gods. Again, his Imagery further
emphasizes his representation of the gods. In line 1123, it says that the altars and hearths are fouled
by the birds which ate the corpse of Polynices. It is a bad sign, according to the Greeks, representing
the angers of the gods.
Bibliography
<http://www.123helpme.com/preview.asp?id=151200>.
Myths Encyclopedia. 18 October 2010 <http://www.mythencyclopedia.com/Be-Ca/Birds-in-Mythology.html>.
Oedipus trilogy. <http://www.cliffsnotes.com/study_guide/literature/Oedipus-Trilogy-The-Oedipus-TrilogyCharacter-Analysis-Tiresias.id-100,pageNum-133.html>.
Pantheon. <http://www.pantheon.org/articles/t/tiresias.html>.
The best notes. <http://thebestnotes.com/booknotes/Oedipus_The_King/Oedipus_Rex14.html>.